THE 

HOBSEMAN. 


WORK  ON  HORSEMANSHIP; 


CONTAINING 


PLAIN    PRACTICAL    RULES    FOR    RIDING,    AND 

HINTS  TO  THE  READER  ON  THE  SELECTION 

OF  HORSES. 

TO      WHICH     IS     ANNEXED 

A   SABRE   EXERCISE 

FOR  MOUNTED  AND  DISMOUNTED  SERVICE. 

~ 

H.  R.  HERSHBERGER, 

Instructor  of  Riding  at   the    U.   S.   Military  Academy. 


WITH    CUTS,    ILLUSTRATING    THE    VARIOUS    KINDS    OF 

BITS,    PACES    OR    GAITS    OF    THE    HORSE,    AND 

PRACTICES     FOR     THE     ACCOMPLISHED 

HORSEMAN. 


NEW   YORK: 
HENRY  G.   LANGLEY,  8  ASTOR 'HOUSE . 

1  844. 


ENTERED  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1844,  by 

HENRY   G-.    LANGLEY, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  District  of 
New  York. 


R.  CIUiaHEAD,  Print.r  119  Fulton-«L 


SF 

14 


THE    CORPS  OF  CADETS, 


OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  MILITARY  ACADEMY, 


HINTS    ON      HORSEMANSHIP 


RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED 


THE  1 


AUTHOR. 


PREFACE. 


AFTER  a  connection  of  nearly  nine  years  with  the  cav- 
alry service,  and  a  close  observance  of  everything  relat- 
ing to  horsemanship,  the  author  of  this  work  has  endea- 
vored to  convey  practical  information  on  all  equestrian 
exercises  by  an  easy  and  progressive  method. 

To  make  the  work  more  intelligible  and  interesting  to 
all  admirers  of  the  horse  and  his  performances,  stable  and 
jockey-terms  have  been  substituted  for  all  hard  names ;  and 
as  it  is  almost  exclusively  devoted  to  the  art  of  riding,  any 
reference  to  the  veterinary  art  and  all  anatomical  descrip- 
tions, with  their  technicalities,  have  been  studiously 
avoided. 

These  instructions  are  arranged  on  a  concise  and  com- 
prehensive plan,  and  all  extraneous  or  superfluous  matter 
is  entirely  excluded  ;  so  that  the  reader,  as  he  advances, 
can  see  these  principles  clearly  and  perspicuously  eluci- 
dated. 

The  points  of  the  horse,  indicating  his  action,  strength, 
wind,  etc.,  as  exhibited  in  his  external  structure,  can  be 
advantageously  studied  even  by  the  superficial  observer. 


vi  PREFACE: 

The  practices  in  leaping,  running  at  the  heads  and 
rings,  and  pistol  firing,  are  particularly  designed  for  the 
amusement  and  instruction  of  volunteer  cavalry. 

In  order  to  preserve  the  methodical  arrangement  of  the 
course  of  instruction,  and  facilitate  the  study,  some  re- 
marks on  the  conformation  of  the  horse,  his  defects  and 
vices,  with  their  remedies,  etc.,  are  contained  in  separate 
chapters  interspersed  throughout  the  work. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Page 
I.  Sketch  of  the  horse,  showing  the  bones  of  the 

quarters,  etc..    -         -         -         -         -         -  3 

II.  The  bit  and  its  parts,              -         -         -         -  15 

III.  Medium  bit,  -                           ....  17 

IV.  Mild  bit,                 -        -        -        -        -         -  19 

V.  Severe  bit,                                                   -         -  21 

VI.  Spanish  bit,  -  25 

VII.  Bit  with  crook  reversed,  -  103 

VIII.  Bridoon  or  snaffle,  -  -  -  -  27 

IX.  Ring-post,  -  -  ,  -  83 

X.  The  horse  represented  standing,  etc.,  35 

XI.  The  walk,  - ,-  -  -  -  37 

XII.  The  horse  galloping  disunitediy,  -  -  -  ,  63 

XIII.  The  horse  trotting,                                               -  57 

XIV.  The  horse  cantering,       -----  67 
XV.  The  halt,        -                                            -        -  53 

XVI.  The  rise  in  the  standing  leap  over  the  bar,       -  77 

XVII.  The  horse  leaping  the  bar  at  a  gallop,       -         -  79 

XVIII.  The  horse  leaping  the  ditch  at  a  gallop,  -  71 
XIX.  Two  horses  leaping  the  ditch  at  a  gallop,          -  73 

XX.  Two  horses  leaping  the  bar  at  a  gallop,  75 

XXL  Running  at  the  heads,      -         -         -         -         -  61 

XXII.  Running  at  the  rings,      -         -         -  87 

XXIII.  Running  at  the  ball  upon  the  ground,  91 


Vlll  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Pnpe 

XXIV.  Taking  the  ring  in  the  leap,    -         -  85 

XXV.  Firing  the  pistol  at  the  head  to  the  right-front,       93 
XXVI.  Firing  the  pistol  at  the  head  in  the  leap,  99 

XXVII.  Firing  at  a  mark  to  the  rear,  over  the  horse's 

croup,       .-.----97 
XXVIII.  Two   persons  engaged  in   the    first   lesson    of 

fencing  in  the  saddle,         -         -         -  135 

XXIX.  Two  persons  engaged  in  the  second  lesson  of 

fencing  in  the  saddle,         -         -         -  137 

XXX.  Two  persons  engaged  in  the  third    lesson   of 

fencing  in  the  saddle,         -         -         -  139 


CONTENTS. 


PART    1. 

THE     HORSEMAN,    containing    Plain    Practical   Rules    for 
Riding,  and  Hints  to  the  reader  on  the  Selection  of  Horses. 

PAGE 

Introductory  Remarks,         ......          1 

> 

CHAPTER    I. 

SECTION  I.  The  Points  of  the  Horse  Explained,     .         .         2 

CHAPTER    II. 

SECTION  I.   Horse  Equipments,      -         .         .         .         .11 

"         II.  The  Bridle, 13 

"       III.  The  Bit, .14 

"        IV.  The  Bit  and  its  Various  Parts,      ...       24 

CHAPTER    III. 

SECTION  I.  On  the  Conformation  of  the  Horse,       .         .  30 

II.  To  Hold  the  Horse, 31 

"       III.  To  Lead  the  Horse, 31 

"        IV.  To  Vault  on  the  Horse,         ....  32 

"          V.  To  Vault  off  the  Horse,       ....  32 

"         VI.  To  Mount  the  Horse  with  the  aid  of  Stirrups  33 


X  •        CONTENTS. 

PA.OE 

SECT.  VII.  Position  in  the  Saddle.          .  34 

"     VIII.  Position  of  the  Bridle  Hand,         ...  35 

IX.  To  Adjust  and  Hold  the  Reins,     ...  39 

"         X.  To  Dismount, 39 

"         XI.   To  Shorten  u-ml  Lengthen  the  Snafile  Reins, 

etc 40 

"       XII.  To  Oro^-.  tiio  Reins  in  either  Hand,     .         .  -11 
"     XIII.  The  Seat  and  Balance,         .         .         .         .41 

"     XIV.   Effects  of  the  Reins  and  Legs  combined,       .  42 
"       XV.  The  Bridle  Hand  and  aids,  .         .       - .         .43 
"     XVI.  The   use   of  the   Stirrup   and  how   to  he  ad- 
justed, .......  44 

"    XVII.   Position  of  the  Foot  in  the  Stirrup,      .          .  45 
"  XVIII.  The  use  of  the  Spurs  and   where  to  be   np- 

plied, 45 

fKAPTER    IV.  . 

SECTION  I.  The  Management  of  the  Horse,    .                   .  47 

II.  The  Walk,  ....                           .  48 

"       III.  Turns  in  the  Walk, 49 

IV.  Stops,           . 51 

V.  To  Back  the  Horse,     .         .         .         .         .52 

"        VI.  The  Trot, 55 

"      VII.  The  Gallop, 59 

"     VIII,  Starts,  Turns,  Stops,  etc.,    ....  65 

"        IX.  Leaping,      .                   ...  69 

"          X.  To  passage  or  move  the  Horse  sidewise,      .  81 
"         XI.  Running  at  the  heads,  etc.,           :         .         .82 

"       XII.   Pistol  Practice,  .                   ....  90 
H 

CHAPTER    V. 

SECTION  I.  On  the  Vices  of  the  Horse,           ...  94 


CONTENTS.  XI 

PART  II. 

An   Improved    Sabre    Exercise,   containing   Instructions  in 
Fencing,  for  Mounted  and  Dismounted  Service. 

CHAPTER    VI. 

PAOK 

Rules  for  the  Sabre  Exercise  in  the  Saddle. 

SECTION  I.  Cuts,  ........     107 

II.  Guards, 109 

HI.  Points,         .         .  .         .         .         .111 

"         IV.   Parries, .112 

CFIAPTER    VII 

SECTION  I.  Method  of  Instruction,          .         .  .  .114 

"  II.  Proving  Distance  by  Files,  .         .  .  .115 

"  III.  Division  against  Cavalry,  engage,  .  .     120 

"  IV.  Division  against  Infantry,  engage,  .  121 

"  V.  Returning  Sabre, 123 

"  VI.  Manual  Exercise,         .         .         .  .  ' .     123 

"  VIT.  Divisions — Words  of  Command,  .  .124 

CHAPTER    VIII. 

SECTION  I.  Attack  and  Defence,  Dismounted,          .         .  125 

"         II.  Points,  Feints,  etc., 131 

"       III.  Words  of  Command  in  the  Attack  and  De- 
fence,      131 

CHAPTER    IX. 

Lessons  in  Fencing  in  the  Saddle,       .        .        .        .133 


THE  HORSEMAN. 


PART   I. 

IN  treating  of  the  conformation  of  the  horse  in  connec- 
tion with  horsemanship,  we  shall,  as  simply  and  suc- 
cinctly as  we  are  able,  explain  the  principles  upon  which 
his  usefulness  depends. 

The  points  as  exhibited  in  the  external  structure  of  the 
animal,  will  enable  even  the  inexperienced  to  judge  of 
his  powers  with  considerable  accuracy.  The  horse  has 
various  duties  to  perform  under  the  saddle,  and,  there- 
fore, we  must  judge  from  his  conformation  what  should 
be  required  of  him  ;  what  combination  of  powers  will 
enable  the  animal  to  discharge  most  of  these  duties  well, 
and  all  of  them  to  a  certain  extent. 

We  require  from  one  kind  of  horse,  the  qualities  of  a 
hackney ;  one  that  is  pleasant,  strong  and  safe,  for  a 
traveller ;  one,  bold,  strong,  active  and  spirited,  for  mili- 
tary purposes ;  another,  with  more  action  and  endurance, 
for  hunting ;  and,  lastly,  one  in  which  the  greatest  action 
and  speed  are  combined,  for  racing. 

In  the  first  place,  it  is  necessary  to  give  a  sketch  of 
the  horse,  by  which  we  will  endeavor  to  elucidate  these 
principles,  and  render  the  study  of  horsemanship  more 
interesting. 

2 

I 


2  THE    HORSEMAN. 

CHAPTER  I. 

ON    THE    POINTS    OF    THE    HORSE. 

IT  will  be  observed  that  the  shoulder  blade  and  the  lower 
bone  of  the  shoulder  are  not  connected  together  in  a 
straight  line,  but  form  a  very  considerable  angle  with 
each  other.  This  angular  construction  is  also  in  the 
hinder  quarters.  (See  Plate  I.) 

The  oblique  or  slanting  shoulder  is  indispensable  in 
the  horse  from  which  action  and  speed  are  required. 
The  stride  of  the  animal  depends  much  on  the  elevation 
of  the  fore  parts ;  for  in  proportion  as  the  point  of  the 
shoulder  is  brought  forward  and  elevated  will  be  the 
forward  action  and  elevation  of  the  limb,  or  the  space 
passed  over  at  every  effort. 

In  the  upright  shoulder  it  is  scarcely  carried  beyond 
the  point  at  which  it  is  placed  in  the  cut,  and,  conse- 
quently, the  horse  cannot  have  reaching  powers. 

There  is  less  concussion  when  the  shoulder  is  placed 
well  forward.  The  horse  is  also  safer  ;  for,  having  less 
weight  lying  before  the  legs,  he  is  not  so  likely  to  have 
the  centre  of  gravity  thrown  before  them  by  any  acci- 
dental trip ;  besides,  the  rider  is  obliged  to  sit  well  to 
the  rear  of  the  shoulder  point. 

Horses  with  upright  shoulders  have  more  muscle  than 
those  with  oblique  ones. 

The  rising  and  reaching  powers  in  the  fore  parts 


THE    HORSEMAN.  O 

depend  more  upon  the  obliquity  of  the  shoulders  than  the 
bulk  of  muscle. 

Horses  of  action,  therefore,  have  oblique  or  slanting 
shoulders,  those  for  draught  upright  and  muscular  ones. 

The  elbow  joint  being  the  centre  of  motion,  it  is  im- 
portant that  the  distance  from  that  point  to  the  withers 
should  be  great,  as  the  whole  of  the  lower  part  of  the 
leg  is  to  be  raised. 

This  action  is  on  the  principle  of  the  lever.  It  will 
appear  obvious  to  the  reader  that,  in  proportion  as  the 
weight  is  more-distant  from  the  centre  of  motion,  the 
greater  degree  of  energy  must  be  exerted  to  raise  it  • 
likewise,  that  the  greatest  advantage  is  derived  when  the 
power  is  applied  in  a  line  perpendicular  to  the  arm  ot 
the  lever.  A  deep  elbow,  therefore,  indicates  power  of 
action. 

The  arm  should  be  long  and  muscular,  for  in  propor- 
tion to  the  length  of  muscle  is  the  degree  of  contraction 
of  which  it  is  capable ;  and  in  proportion  to  the  degree 
of  contraction  of  muscle  will  be  the  extent  of  motion  in 
the  part  of  the  limb  beneath.  This  formation  is  indis- 
pensable in  the  racer  and  hunter. 

A  horse  with  a  short  arm  will  be  found  deficient  in 
stride. 

As  it  is  essential  for  the  haunch-bones  to  be  oblique 
for  the  more  advantageous  action  of  the  muscles,  it  is 
necessary  to  look  for  depth  of  hip,  by  drawing  a  line 
from  the  loins  to  the  point  of  buttock.  The  strength  of 
these  parts  (as  in  the  shoulder)  consists  more  in  the 
2* 


6  THE    HORSEMAN. 

advantageous  direction  of  the  bones  than  in  the  bulk  of 
muscle. 

The  action  of  these  bones  is  also  on  the  principle  of 
the  lever ;  consequently,  it  becomes  important  to  select 
a  horse  with  a  deep  and  long  quarter ;  the  shorter  the 
leg  below  the  hock,  the  less  muscular  exertion  is  required 
to  raise  it. 

The  distance  from  the  stifle  joint  to  the  point  of  but- 
tock, and  from  the  latter  point  to  the  hip  or  haunch- 
bone,  cannot  be  too  great. 

The  stifle  joint  should  be  on  a  vertical  line  with  the 
haunch  or  round-bone. 

To  illustrate  the  action  of  the  fore  and  hind  quarters 
more  fully,  the  following  figure  will  represent  the 
shoulder-blade  and  shoulder-bone,  which  form  an  angle, 
thus : — 


By  applying  a  force  at  A  and  B,  the  extremities  can 
be  brought  together  with  less  exertion  than  if  applied  at 
C  and  D ;  hence  it  is  that  the  points  of  the  shoulder- 
blade  (A)  and  the  elbow  (B)  are  further  from  the  point 
of  the  shoulder  (E)  in  horses  of  action  and  speed  than  in 
the  common  draught  horse. 

The  longer  these  bones   are,   and   the   greater  the 


THE    HORSEMAN.  7 

distance  the  points  A  and  B  are  separated,  the  longer,  of 
course,  must  the  muscle  be  to  bind  them ;  and  the  longer 
the  muscle,  the  more  capable  it  is  of  contraction  j  and, 
consequently,  the  less  exertion  is  required  to  raise  the 
leg. 

If  these  points  were  closer,  the  contraction  of  the 
muscle  would  be  much  less,  and  the  point  of  the  shoulder 
could  not  be  sufficiently  projected  and  elevated  ;  nor 
could  the  leg  be  raised  and  advanced  to  make  a  good 
stride. 

The  reader  must  now  perceive  that  the  action  of  the 
bones,  in  the  angular  position  they  are  placed  in  the 
shoulders  and  hinder  quarters,  is  upon  the  principle  of 
mechanical  forces.  The  elbow  is  the  centre  of  motion  ; 
and  at  each  contraction  of  the  muscle  connecting  the 
arm  of  the  lever  or  shoulder-blade  and  the  arm,  the  leg- 
is  raised,  and  the  point  of  the  shoulder  projected  and 
elevated. 

As  the  horse  breathes  only  through  the  nostril,  it 
should  be  wide  and  expanded.  This  is  a  very  striking 
feature  in  the  thorough-bred  horse.  The  nostril  should 
be  thin  and  elastic,  so  that  it  may  more  readily  yield 
when  the  necessity  of  the  •  animal  requires  a  greater 
supply  of  air. 

The  lips  should  be  thin  and  without  wrinkle ;  for,  if 
thick  and  hanging,  they  are  almost  insensible  to  the  bit. 

A  long  and  narrow  mouth  is  desirable,  as  it  indicates 
sensitive  bars.  A  horse  with  a  short  and  wide  mouth 
bears  heavily  upon  the  bit.  A  wide  under  jaw  shows  a 


8  THE    HORSEMAN. 

capacious  windpipe,  so  essential  to  the  respiratory 
powers  of  the  horse. 

The  eye  should  be  large  and  somewhat  prominent, 
and  the  eyelid  thin  and  delicate.  The  expression  of  the 
eye  enables  us  to  judge  pretty  accurately  of  his  temper 
and  disposition.  If  much  of  the  white  be  seen,  it  is 
objectionable. 

A  long  neck  is  preferable  to  a  short  one ;  for  there 
are  few  horses  of  extraordinary  speed  that  have  not  a 
long  and  slender  neck.  The  race  horse,  at  the  top  of 
his  speed,  extends  his  neck  in  order  that  the  air-passages 
may  be  as  straight  as  possible. 

The  back  shoula  be  straight  and  short,  though  suffi- 
ciently long  to  admit  the  saddle  between  the  shoulders 
and  loins. 

Hollow-backed  horses  are  generally  easy  movers,  but 
they  cannot  carry  a  heavy  load  nor  endure  much  hard 
work. 

A  horse  that  is  ribbed  home,  or  where  there  is  little 
space  between  the  ribs  and  hip  bone,  is  preferable,  when 
endurance  is  required  or  weight  to  carry.  He  is  "  easy 
kept,"  but  deficient  in  bottom  and  speed. 

The  distance  between  these  points  is  too  short  to  allow 
a  full  action  of  the  hinder  parts  in  gathering. 

Were  a  horse  perfectly  formed  in  the  hind  quarters 
for  speed,  his  gathering  or  propelling  powers  would 
be  materially  diminished,  if  "  short  coupled." 

A  judge  of  a  horse  will  at  once  perceive  the  defect  in 
a  roach-backed  horse.  When  the  curve  is  outward,  it  is 


THE  HOUSEMAN.  9 

difficult  to  adjust  the  saddle  properly  ;  for,  as  his  head  is 
carried  too  low,  it  is  thrown  upon  the  withers.  His  hind 
legs  are  too  much  under  him,  and  he  frequently  over- 
reaches himself. 

The  loins  should  be  full,  broad  and  muscular.  The 
strength  of  the  back  and  the  action  of  the  hinder 

o 

extremities  depend  much  upon  this  point. 

A  horseman  never  fails  to  Select  a  horse  that  is  "  wide 
across  the  kidneys." 

When  the  horse  is  somewhat  drooped  in  the  croup 
and  wide  in  the  quarter,  he  is  termed  ragged- hipped. 
This  materially  diminishes  his  beauty,  but  indicates  great 
powers  from  the  angular  position  of  the  bones. 

It  is  important  that  the  stifle  muscles  show  full  when 
standing  behind  the  horse.  As  this  is  a  point  in  beauty, 
horses  of  this  description  are  much  sought  after  for  their 
fine  appearance  in  harness. 

The  tibia,  or  leg  bone,  should  be  long,  and  the  mus- 
cles covering  it  prominent  and  bulging,  not  tapering. 

The  hock  should  be  deep  in  proportion  to  the  length 
and  breadth  of  muscles  in  the  quarter.  The  cannon 
should  be  short  and  flat. 

The  pasterns  of  the  hackney  and  traveller  should  be 
short  and  somewhat  slanting,  yet  far  less  so  than  those 
of  the  racer  and  hunter. 

The  oblique  or  slanting  pastern  is  essential  to  pleasant 
action,  as  there  is  less  concussion. 

The  foot  should  be  in  proportion  to  the  bulk  of  the 
horse — open  at  the  heel  and  high. 


10  THE    HORSEMAN. 

The  chest  should  be  moderately  large.  A  hoise  with 
a  very  large  chest  will  answer  the  purposes  of  draught ; 
but  he  is  not  adapted  for  the  saddle,  at  least  when  speed 
and  endurance  are  the  objects.  He  will  have  too  much 
weight  to  be  impelled,  and  furthermore,  cannot  endure 
the  constant  shock  upon  his  fore  legs. 

The  most  desirable  form  will  be  depth  at  the  girth  and 
a  swelling  out,  or  barreling,  behind  the  elbow ;  also  a 
wide  chest,  or,  at  least,  so  much  so  as  will  preclude  the 
possibility  of  an  interference  in  the  fore  feet  (which  is 
common  with  narrow  chested  horses)  when  turning  sud- 
denly to  the  right  or  left. 

A  judge  of  the  horse  dislikes  to  see  the  chest  or  breast 
bone  too  high  from  the  ground ;  or,  in  other  words,  "  too 
much  daylight  under  him." 

Horses  with  a  long  arm  are  generally  rough  and 
unpleasant  in  their  gaits ;  the  action  being  high  or  lofty, 
with  little  knee  action. 

A  hackney  or  lady's  horse  should  have  a  short  arm 
and  a  long  cannon,  which  will  give  sufficient  knee  action 
for  safety  and  speed. 

The  knee  should  be  wide,  compared  with  the  arm 
above,  and  the  cannon,  or  shank  bone,  below. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  11 

CHAPTER  II. 

SECTION  I.— Horse  Equipments. 

THE  saddle  should  be  proportioned  to  the  size  of  the 
horse,  and  so  constructed  as  to  press  xonly  upon  the 
ribs  on  either  side  of  the  backbone,  leaving  a  thorough 
channel  above  the  spine. 

The  seat  of  the  saddle  should  be  long  enough  to  ad- 
mit of  a  free  action  of  the  rider's  thighs  when  galloping ; 
if  too  short,  the  rider's  position  will  be  constrained.  The 
highest  part  of  the  saddle  should  be  behind  its  centre,  for 
the  rider  will  then  be  enabled  to  seat  himself  without 
stirrups  or  effort. 

In  adjusting  the  saddle  upon  the  horse's  back,  the 
pressure  should  be  entirely  clear  of  the  shoulders  and 
loins.  If  the  saddle  is  placed  upon  the  withers,  the  ac- 
tion of  the  shoulders  is  confined ;  and  if  the  weight  is 
thrown  upon  the  loins,  which  is  the  weakest  part  of  the 
back,  the  horse  will  tire  the  sooner.  Besides,  it  places 
the  rider  in  rear  of  the  centre  of  motion,  which  diminish- 
es the  clasp  of  the  thighs  and  calves,  and  he  becomes  the 
sport  of  the  horse's  movements. 

This  admits  of  easy  illustration.  For  example,  stride 
a  pole  six  feet  long,  which  is  turned  to  and  fro  horizon- 
tally or  vertically,,  on  a  pivot  fixed  in  its  centre,  and  you 
will  at  once  perceive  that  the  nearer  you  approximate 


12  THE    HORSEMAN. 

the  pivot  or  centre  of  motion,  the  easier  you  can  preserve 
your  equilibrium. 

The  pommel  should  be  as  low  as  possible,  but  not  rest- 
ing on  the  point  of  the  shoulders.  A  high  pommel  al- 
ways threatens  the  rider  with  rupture. 

A  high  cantle  is  also  objectionable,  as  it  tends  to 
throw  the  rider  off  his  balance,  when  in  the  act  of  pass- 
ing his  leg  over  in  mounting  and  dismounting,  particu- 
larly if  the  horse  is  restive. 

A  high  cantle  properly  constructed  is,  however,  a  great 
support  to  the  rider  on  a  long  journey,  without  being  an 
injury  to  the  horse. 

The  panels  of  the  saddle  should  be  sufficiently  wide 
not  to  cut  or  bury  into  the  horse's  ribs ;  but  if  too  wide 
and  extended  below  the  point  of  pressure,  the  saddle 
bulges,  and  consequently  the  clasp  of  the  rider  is  dimin- 
ished. 

The  skirts  or  flaps  should  be  long  and  wide  enough  to 
prevent  the  rider's  clothes  being  soiled ;  and  the  padding 
between  them  and  the  horse's  sides,  below  the  panels, 
should  be  very  thin. 

If  the  skirts  extend  below  the  pad  or  blanket,  the  sur- 
cingle (if  used)  should  pass  through  holes  made  in  the 
skirts  a  few  inches  above  the  lower  part  of  the  'pad  or 
blanket,  so  that  they  may  not  chafe  the  horse's  sides. 

The  stirrup  leathers  should*  be  broad,  and  made  of 
strong  and  firm  materials,  not  elastic. 

The  buckle  may  be  placed  near  the  stirrup-iron.  This 
precludes  the  necessity  of  raising  the  saddle-skirt  when 


THE    HORSEMAN.  13 

the  rider  wishes  to  lengthen  or  shorten  the  stirrup 
leather;  and  can  even  be  done  with  facility  when 
mounted. 

The  stirrup-irons  should  be  in  size  proportioned  to  the 
rider's  feet ;  but  they  should  be  so  shaped  tha,t  the  rider 
can  at  all  times  and  under  all  circumstances,  disengage 
the  feet  from  them. 

The  distance  from  the  bottom  iron,  inside,  to  the  eye 
of  the  stirrup,  should  be,  at  least,  five  and  a  half  inches ; 
for  there  is  safety  in  a  high  stirrup,  as  the  rider  could  not 
be  dragged  if  unhorsed. 

The  crupper,  independently  of  its  being  an  ornament, 
serves  to  keep  the  saddle  in  its  proper  place  on  a  horse 
that  is  lower  in  the  withers  than  the  croup,  or  while  on 
descending  ground.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the 
heavily  laden  horse  travelling  over  an  uneven  country. 

The  breast  strap  is  also  useful,  and,  in  fact,  indispen- 
sable, on  horses  that  are  higher  in  the  withers  than  the 
croup,  particularly  on  ascending  ground,  preventing  the 
saddle  from  slipping  on  the  horse's  loins.  It  should 
always  be  slackened  when  the  horse  drinks,  and  never 
be  so  tight  as  to  impede  his  breathing. 

SECTION  II.— The  Bridle. 

A  bridle  should  consist  of  a  bit  with  a  curb  and  a 
bridoon  or  snaffle,  with  separate  headstalls  united  by  one 
brow  band,  each  with  distinct  reins :  one  of  this  descrip- 
tion is  sometimes  called  "  a  double  bitted  bridle." 

3 


14  THE    HORSEMAN. 

SECTION  III.— The  Bit. 

The  bit  (see  Plate  II.)  is  composed  of  five  principal 
pieces,  viz. :  the  mouth  piece  (1),  the  branches  (2),  the 
rings  (3),  the  curb  (4),  and  the  cross-bar*  (5).  The 
mouth  piece  is  divided  into  barrel  and  crook ;  the  barrel 
acting  upon  the  bars,  and  the  crook  against  the  roof  of 
the  mouth. 

A  medium  bit  has  the  branches  straight,  or  when  the 
eye  of  the  ring  is  in  the  prolongation  of  the  line  passing 
through  the  centre  of  the  bit  and  the  eye  of  the  cheek 
pieces.  (See  Plate  III.) 

A  bit  is  mild  when  the  ring  at  the  lower  extremity  of 
the  branch  is  in  rear  of  a  vertical  line  drawn  through  the 
eye  of  the  cheek  piece  and  the  centre  of  the  bit.  (See 
Plate  IV.) 

A  bit  is  severe  when  the-ring  of  the  branch  is  in  front 
of  the  vertical  line.  (See  Plate  V.) 

To  render  the  severe  bit  more  powerful,  the  barrel 
should  be  straight  and  small  near  the  branches,  and  the 
crook  elevated. 

To  render  the  mild  bit  milder,  the  barrel  should  be 
large  near  the  branches,  and  almost  without  crook. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  action  of  the  bit  is  on  the 
principle  of  the  lever,  and  that  it  is  rendered  more  or  less 
powerful,  according  to  the  position  or  distance  of  the  eye 
in  the  cheek  piece  from  the  barrel  or  fulcrum. 

*  The  cross-bar  serves  to  strengthen  the  branches  of  the  bit 
and  prevent  them  from  hooking  the  reins  of  other  horses. , 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


15 


Plate  II.— The  Bit  and  its  Parts, 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


17 


Plate  HI. — Medium  Bit. 


3* 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


19 


Plate  IV.— Mild  Bit. 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


21 


Plate  V.— Severe  Bit. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  23 

The  longer  the  cheek  piece  (that  portion  of  the  branch 
above  the  barrel),  and  the  higher  the  eye  is  placed  in  it, 
the  greater  the  resistance  to  the  branches  below  the  bar- 
rel, arid  consequently  the  stronger  will  be  the  impression 
upon  the  bars  and  chin.  If  the  cheek  piece  is  short,  the 
barrel  yields  to  the  motion  of  the  branches,  and  therefore 
produces  less  effect. 

The  Spanish  bit  (see  Plate  VI.)  (used  by  the  Camanche 
and  Pawnee  Indians  to  break  wild  horses)  has  a  piece  of 
iron  fixed  with  a  hinge  to  the  top  of  the  crook  which  en- 
circles the  lower  jaw  and  acts  as  a  curb.  When  the 
branches  of  the  bit  are  drawn  to  the  rear,  the  crook  be- 
comes elevated,  and  consequently  this  piece  of  iron  presses 
powerfully  against  the  chin. 

All  bits  should  be  wide  enough  to  admit  of  a  free  play 
of  the  cheek  piece.  If  too  wide,  however,  the  horse  be- 
comes annoyed  and  attempts  to  catch  the  branches  be- 
tween his  teeth. 

The  barrel  of  the  bit  should  act  upon  the  bars  about  a 
finger's  breadth,  or  three-fourths  of  an  inch  above  the 
tushes  and  double  the  distance  above  the  corner  teeth 
in  mares,  which  have  no  tushes. 

When  the  bit  is  too  high,  the  horse  is  gagged  and 
holds  up  his  nose.  In  no  case  should  the  crook  touch 
the  palate. 

The  horse  will  be  restive  if  the  bit  is  so  low  as  to  jar 
against  the  tushes.  He  will  also  be  inattentive  to  his 
steps  and  apt  to  stumble  or  fall  while  catching  at  the 
bit. 


24  THE  HORSEMAN. 

The  curb  should  be  hooked  underneath  the  snaffle  or 
bridoon,  but  it  should  not  be  so  tight  as  to  compress  the 
chin  when  the  bridle  hand  does  not  act. 

The  bridoon  or  snaffle  should  be  in  the  corner  of  the 
horse's  mouth  without  pressing  against  or  wrinkling  it. 

The  bit  (or  curb-bit  as  it  is  usually  termed)  powerfully 
controls  the  horse ;  it  draws  in  his  head  and  beautifully 
arches  his  neck ;  it  makes  him  "  light  in  hand,"  and  his 
movements  easy  and  graceful. 

With  the  bridoon  or  snaffle  (see  Plate  VIII.),  the  horse 
can  take  a  natural  position  and  act  with  more  freedom. 
This  bridle  is  preferable  to  any  other,  particularly  when 
riding  over  uneven  ground,  where  there  are  many  obsta- 
cles, and  also  in  leaping;  but  if  the  rider  cannot  control 
his  horse,  he  must  resort  to  the  "  CURB-BIT." 

SECTION  IV. — On  the  Bit  and  its  various  parts. 

Bits  are  variously  constructed  to  operate  with  differ- 
ent degrees  of  power  on  the  several  parts  of  the  horse's 
mouth. 

The  barrel  of  the  bit,  when  acting  equally  upon  both 
bars  of  the  mouth,  tends  to  check,  stop,  or  back  the 
horse ;  aail  when  only  one  bar  is  affected,  the  horse  turns 
his  head  to  the  side. 

The  reader  will  observe  that  in  some  bits  there  is  a 
crook,*  which  operates  against  the  roof  of  the  mcuth, 

*  The  curb  has  the  same  effect,  but  in  a  milder  degree,  the 
chin  being  less  sensitive  than  the  roof  of  the  mouth. 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


Plate  VIII.—The  Bridoon,  or  Snaffle. 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


Plate  VI.— Spanish  Bit. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  29 

counteracting,  in  a  certain  degree,  the  effect  of  the  bar- 
rel. 

The  question  may  be  asked,  why  this  counteraction, 
one  tending  to  destroy  the  effect  of  the  other  ?  We  an- 
swer, that  if  there  were  no  crook  used  on  some  horses, 
they  would,  when  the  barrel  of  the  bit  acts,  draw  the 
chin  too  near  the  breast ;  and  by  thus  confining  the  ac- 
tion of  the  shoulders,  the  animal  would  become  inatten- 
tive to  his  steps,  and  be  liable  to  stumble. 

Now,  as  the  crook  has  the  effect  of  keeping  a  horse's 
head  up  in  a  proper  position  when  the  bridle  hand  acts, 
the  reader  will  perceive  the  necessity  of  a  bit  with  the 
crook  reversed,  on  rearing  horses. 

It  cannot  be  too  often  impressed  on  the  reader's  mind, 
to  study  closely,  first,  the  nature  and  shape  of  the  horse's 
mouth  ;*  and  secondly  ?  to  ascertain  the  result  of  a  certain 
combination  of  powers  as  indicated  in  the  external  points 
of  the  horse,  and  the  manner  or  kind  of  action — whether 
up,  as  in  a  rearing  horse,  or  downward  before,  as  in  a 
plunging  one. 

*  The  lips  and  tongue  are  the  hardest  parts  of  the  mouth  upon 
which  the  bit  acts  ;  the  bar,  roof,  and  chin,  the  most  sensitive. 


30  THE    HORSEMAN. 

•-. 

CHAPTER  III. 

SECTION  I. — On  the  conformation  of  the  Horse. 

As  the  conformation  of  the  horse  generally  indicates  the 
kind  of  mouth,  it  will  be  necessary  to  point/mt  some  of 
his  most  prominent  faults. 

If  a  horse  has  a  short  neck,  clumsy  limbs,  heavy 
shoulders,  or  is  higher  in  the  croup  than  the  withers,  it  is 
to  be  presumed  that  he  has  a  bad  mouth.  He  will  bear 
heavily  upon  the  bit,  making  use  of  (what  jockeys  term) 
"  a  fifth  leg."  A  horse  of  this  character  always  "  bears 
watching,"  and  the  rider  must  keep  in  mind  the  golden 
rule  of  horsemanship — "  never  trust  to  your  horse." 

He  will  prove  an  unsafe  leaper ;  for,  lacking  confi- 
dence in  his  fore  parts,  he  seeks  the  aid  of  the  bit,  holds 
down  his  head  so  as  not  to  see  the  obstacle  in  time  to 
measure  his  leap,  and,  consequently,  either  shies,  blun- 
ders, or  falls  over  it. 

To  remedy  this  defect,  select  a  powerful  bit  with 
short  branches.  This  will  enable  the  rider  to  draw  the 
horse's  chin  towards  his  neck,  instead  of  his  breast. 

As  the  horse  feels  the  extra  weight  thrown  upon  the 
shoulders  by  the  croup,  the  rider  must  favor  his  leap  by 
inclining  the  body  a  little  backward  as  the  horse 
descends. 

Horses,  on  the  contrary,  higher  in  the  withers  than 


THE    HORSEMAN.  31 

the  croup,*  are  generally  up-headed,  and  have  a  fine  fore 
hand.  Horses  of  this  description  show  little  strength  in 
the  hinder  parts  •  they  have  much  knee  action,  are 
tender-mouthed,  and  apt  to  rear.  A  mild  bit  will  be 
most  suitable. 

As  a  general  rule,  horses  with  short  mouths,  squatted 
bodies,  and  thick,  hanging  lips,  have  round  and  callous 
bars ;  those  of  lofty  action,  long  mouths,  thin  and  com- 
pressed lips,  sharp  and  sensitive  bars. 

SECTION  II. — To  hold  a  Horse  by  the  bridle  when  the 
reins  are  on  his  neck,  or  over  the  pommel  of  the  saddle. 

The  person  should  place  himself  on  the  near  or  left 
side  of  the  horse,  and  grasp,  with  his  right  hand,  both 
reins  of  the  bridoon  or  snaffle,  underneath  and  about  six 
inches  from  the  horse's  mouth. 

When  the  reins  are  not  over  his  neck  or  pommel,  but 
turned  over  his  head,  the  person  should  hold  the  surplus 
part,  or  loop-end  of  the  reins,  in  the  left  hand. 

SECTION  III. — To  lead  the  Horse. 

Hold  the  reins  in  the  same  manner  prescribed  for 
holding  the  horse. 

If  the  horse  starts  suddenly,  or  attempts  to  jump  away, 
the  person  should  place  his  right  shoulder  against  him. 

*  Horses  of  this  kind  are  generally  upon  their  haunches ;  they 
can  reach,  but  cannot  gather. 


32  THE    HORSEMAN. 

In  this  position,  he  will  be  enabled  to  hold  the  horse,  or, 
at  least,  render  his  pranks  harmless. 

SECTION  IV. — To  vault  on  the  Horse. 

Place  yourself  close  to  the  horse's  left  or  near  shoulder, 
seize  with  the  snaffle  or  bridoon  reins,  a  lock  of  the  mane 
with  the  left  hand  near  the  withers,  the  right  hand  on  the 
withers  or  pommel  of  the  saddle ;  then  slightly  bend  the 
knees  and  spring  up  so  as  to  bring  the  body  straight  and 
the  arms  extended;  and  now  pass  the  right  leg,  well 
extended,  over  the  horse's  croup  without  touching  it, 
and  seat  yourself  lightly. 

The  effort  of  the  arms  and  legs  should  not  be  made  at 
the  same  instant.  The  strength  of  the  arms  should  be 
applied  immediately  after  the  height  has  been  attained 
by  that  of  the  legs ;  for,  if  both  were  applied  together, 
you  would  push  yourself  from  the  horse.  Endeavor  to 
keep  the  body  erect,  so  as  not  to  throw  the  breast  across 
the  horse  and  scramble  up. 

SECTION  V. — To  vault  off  the  Horse. 

Place  the  right  hand  on  the  pommel  or  withers,  and 
take,  with  the  left  hand,  a  lock  of  the  mane  with  the 
reins ;  incline  the  body  forward,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
raise  it  upon  the  right  arm ;  now  pass  the  right  leg  care- 
fully over  the  croup,  bring  the  heels  together  for  an 
instant,  and  then  descend  to  the  ground. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  33 

SECTION  VI. — To  mount  the  Horse  with  the  aid  of  the 
stirrups. 

Place  yourself  opposite  to  and  face  the  horse's  left  or 
near  shoulder,  draw  up  the  snaffle  reins  gently  with  the 
right  hand  (in  order  to  equalize  them,  and  that  the  horse 
may  feel  the  bit  according  to  his  sensibility) ;  take  a  lock 
of  the  mane,  with  the.  reins  in  your  left  hand,  a  few 
inches  in  advance  of  the  pommel ;  step  back  with  the 
right  foot,  seize  the  stirrup  with  the  right  hand  to  steady 
it  while  placing  the  left  foot  a  third  of  the  way  in.* 
After  having  the  foot  securely  in  the  stirrup,  hold,  with 
the  right  hand,  the  off  cantle  of  the  saddle,  and  close  to 
the  horse's  shoulder ;  spring  from  the  right  foot,  and  rise 
erect  in  the  stirrup,  bring  the  heels  together  for  an  in- 
stant, then  pass  the  right  leg,  well  extended,  over  the 
croup,  at  the  same  time  shifting  the  right  hand  to  the 
pommel  or  off  holster,  and  seat  yourself  gently .f 

*  Previous  to  placing  the  foot  in  the  stirrup,  take  a  glance 
at  the  equipments  and  satisfy  yourself  that  they  are  properly 
adjusted.  This  precaution  frequently  saves  trouble  and  pre- 
vents accidents. 

Through  the  carelessness  or  ignorance  of  grooms,  the  bits  are 
sometimes  fixed  too  high  or  too  low  ;  the  curb  and  throat  strap 
too  tight  or  too  loose,  or  the  girths  insecure. 

f  Short  persons,  when  preparing  to  mount,  should  place 
themselves  near  the  horse's  left  flank,  hold  the  end  of  the  reins 
on  the  cantle  with  the  right  hand,  take  the  stirrup  with  the  left 
hand,  place  the  foot  in  it,  close  to  the  horse's  shoulder,  and  seize 
a  lock  of  the  mane  with  the  reins. 

If  the  rider  uses  a  whip,  it  should  be  held  in  the  left  hand 


34  THE    HORSEMAN. 

SECTION  VII. — Position  in  the  Saddle. 
(See  Plate  X.) 

The  body  should  be  erect  without  stiffness  ;  the  small 
of  the  back  somewhat  drawn  in ;  the  chest  protruded, 
and  the  shoulders  square  to  the  front ;  the  buttocks  bear- 
ing equally  and  well  forward,  the  inner  parts  of  the 
thighs  embracing  the  saddle,  -and  the  legs  hanging 
naturally.  The  loins  should  be  well  supported,  and  the 
weight  of  the  body  should  rest  as  much  as  possible  in  the 
centre  of  the  saddle,  and  the  elbows  should  be  steady  and 
free  from  constraint. 

SECTION  VIII. — Position  of  the  bridle-hand. 
(See  Plate  XI.) 

The  elbow  should  hang  naturally,  and  without  pres- 
sure to  the  body;  and  the  hand  should  be  on  a  horizontal 
line  with  the  elbow,  or  about  four  inches  above  the  pom- 
mel. The  palm  of  the  hand -should  be  turned  sufficiently 
to  the  right  to  keep  the  elbow  close  and  in  proper  posi- 
tion ;  the  thumb  pointing  to  the  horse's  off  ear. 

This  is  the  strongest  position  in  which  the  hand  and 
arm  can  be  placed  ;  and,  from  this  position,  the  rider  is 
enabled  to  execute  all  the  movements  of  the  bridle-hand 
without  abruptness. 

while  mounting  or  dismounting.  The  rider,  holding  the  whip 
in  the  right  hand  while  mounting  or  dismounting,  frequently,  and 
unconsciously,  touches  the  horse's  flank  with  it,  or  alarms  him 
by  switching  it  in  the  air. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  39 

SECTION  IX. — To  adjust  and  hold  the  reins. 

Take  the  bit  reins,  with  the  right  hand,  at  the  knob  or 
end,  and  raise  it  in  order  to  straighten  the  reins  and  bring 
the  flat  sides  together  ;  place  the  little  finger  of  the  left 
hand  between  them,  the  back  of  the  hand  being  to  the 
front ;  close  the  hand,  and  let  the  surplus  part  of  the 
reins  hang  over  the  second  joint  of  the  first  finger. 
Seize  the  bridoon  or  snaffle  reins  with  the  right  hand, 
and  draw  them  over  the  first  finger  and  through  the  left 
hand  (the  surplus  part  hanging  below  the  hand) ;  and 
now  close  the  fingers  and  press  the  thumb  on  both  reins. 
Drop  the  right  hand  to  the  side,  in  rear  of  the  thigh. 

Both  bits  should  not  act  at  the  same  time ;  but  the 
reins  should  be  so  adjusted  as  to  make  either  bit  take 
effect  by  slightly  turning  the  hand  toward  the  body 
(nails  upwards)  for  the  curb,  and  upward  and  toward 
the  body  (nails  downwards)  for  the  bridoon  or  snaffle. 

To  shorten  or  lengthen  the  hold  of  either  rein,  take 
the  surplus  part  with  the  right  hand  and  shift  the  bridle 
hand.  The  rider  should  support  the  horse  with  the  right 
hand,  and  feel  his  steps  while  slipping  the  left  hand 
smoothly  clown  the  reins. 

* 

SECTION  X. — To  Dismount. 

Seize  the  surplus  parts  of  the  reins  with  the  right 
hand  and  place  it  on  the  off  holster,  or  against  the  saddle 
in  front  of  the  right  thigh ;  at  the  same  time  slip  the  left 


40  THE   HORSEMAN. 

band  along  the  reins,  and  grasp  a  lock  of  the  mane,  dis- 
engage the  right  foot  from  the  stirrup,  and  pass  the  right 
leg,  well  extended,  over  the  croup,  and  without  touching 
the  horse,  shifting  the  right  hand,  with  the  reins,  to  the 
cantle.  Now  bring  the  right  heel  against  the  left,  re- 
main an  instant  erect  in  the  stirrup,  then  descend  lightly 
to  the  ground  on  the  right  foot,  and  disengage  the  left, 
placing  both  reins  over  the  pommel  of  the  saddle. 

When  the  horse  stands  alone,  or  when  led,  the  stirrups 
should  be  crossed  over  the  saddle. 

Before  using  the  stirrups  and  full  bridle,  the  beginner 
should  cross  the  stirrups  over  the  horse's  withers  and 
separate  the  bridoon  or  snaffle  reins,  holding  one  in  each 
hand,  the  surplus  parts  of  each  passing  over  the  second 
joints  of  the  first  fingers,  the  thumbs  pressing  upon  them. 
The  right  arm  must  be  held  in  a  position  prescribed  for 
the  left,  and  the  hands  about  six  inches  apart.  Spurs 
should  not  be  used  until  the  rider  is  confirmed  in  his  seat. 


SECTION  XI. — To  shorten  or  lengthen  the  Snaffle  Reins 
when  separated. 

Seize  the  left  rein  with  the  forefinger  and  thumb  of 
the  right  hand,  shift  the  left  hand  along  the  rein  and  re- 
place the  right  hand.  To  shorten  or  lengthen  the  right 
rein,  take  it  with  the  forefinger  and  thumb  of  the  left 
hand,  shift  the  right  hand  along  the  rein  and  replace  the 
left  hand. 


THE    HORSEMAN. 

SECTION  XII. — To  cross  the  Reins  in. either  hand. 

To  cross  the  reins  in  the  left  hand,  draw  the  right  rein 
over  the  first  finger  and  through  the  left  hand,  the  sur- 
plus part  hanging  below  the  little  finger  on  the  near  side 
of  the  withers,  and  drop  the  right  hand  to  the  side. 

To  cross  the  reins  in  the  right  hand,  draw  the  left  rein 
over  the  first  finger  and  through  the  right  hand,  the  sur- 
plus part  hanging  below  on  the  off  side  of  the  withers, 
and  drop  the  left  hand  to  the  side. 


SECTION  XIII.  —  The  Seat  and  Balance. 

In  the  first  place,  it  is  necessary  for  the  rider  to  seat 
himself  on  that  part  of  the  horse  which  is  the  centre  of 
motion,  and  from  which  he  would  with  most  difficulty  be 
shaken. 

The  seat  is  to  be  maintained  only  by  a  proper  balance 
of  the  body,  the  clasp  of  the  thighs  and  calves  enabling 
him  to  recover  his  equilibrium  and  to  adapt  it  to  the  most 
violent  counteractions  of  the  horse.  Under  no  circum- 
stances whatever  should  the  rider  depend  on  the  stirrups 
to  preserve  his  seat. 

It  is  a  very  common  error  with  inexperienced  riders  to 
hold  on  to  the  bridle  or  grasp  the  pommel  in  order  to  re- 
cover their  seats,  instead  of  accommodating  themselves 
to  the  motions  of  the  horse. 

A  sudden  and  unexpected  movement  of  the  horse  al- 
5* 


42  THE    HORSEMAN. 

ways  deranges  the  seat  of  the  rider  more  or  less,  but  it 
can  be  recovered  by  a  pressure  of  the  thighs  and  calves 
and  a  suppleness  of  the  back. 

The  rider's  movements  should  harmonize  with  those  of 
the  animal,  and  his  position  should  be  easy  to  himself  and 
the  horse ;  all  of  which  are  most  calculated  to  ensure  his 
own  safety,  and  gain  a  perfect  command  over  the  ani- 
mal. 
\ 

In  short,  the  rider  should  rise,  descend,  advance,  and 
halt  with,  not  after  the  horse.  It  is  impossible  to  sit 
carelessly  and  give  the  proper  attention  to  the  bridle 
hand ;  and  with  an  inexperienced  or  ungraceful  rider  a 
horse  never  appears  to  a  good  advantage. 

SECTION  XIV. — Effects  of  the  Reins  and  Legs  combined 

By  slightly  raising,  and  at  the  same  time  drawing  the 
bridle  hand  toward  the  body,  and  closing  the  legs,  the 
rider  prepares  the  horse  for  any  movement.  It  is  called 
gathering  the  horse,  or,  in  other  words,  pushing  him  to 
the  bit. 

If  the  rider  wishes  to  move  forward  after  having  gath- 
ered the  horse,  he  should  lower  the  bridle  hand  and  close 
the  legs  behind  the  girths,  or  give  spur  (according  to  the 
sensibility  of  the  horse)  until  he  obeys.  After  the  horse 
has  obeyed,  the  rider  must  confine  him  to  the  pace  he 
wishes,  by  gradually  raising  and  drawing  the  bridle  hand 
toward  his  body,  and  relaxing  the  pressure  of  the  legs. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  43 

SECTION  XV. — On  the  Bridle  hand  and  Legs. 

It  will  be  observed  that,  by  raising  and  drawing  the 
bridle  hand  toward  the  body,  the  horse  slackens  pace ; 
by  increasing  the  effect  of  the  bridle  hand,  he  stops ;  and 
if  still  more  augmented,  he  backs. 

By  inclining  the  bridle  hand  to  the  right  or  left,  and  a 
little  forward,  the  rider  causes  the  horse  to  describe  a  cir- 
cle upon  his  hind  legs  or  heels ;  if  the  leg  or  spur  is  ap- 
plied on  the  side  to  which  the  turn  is  made,  he  will  de- 
scribe a  circle  upon  his  centre ;  and  if  the  bridle  hand  is 
kept  firm  and  steady,  and  the  leg  or  spur  applied  a  little 
more  to  the  rear,  he  will  make  the  circle  upon  his  fore 
legs. 

The  reader  will  very  readily  perceive,  that  by  in- 
clining the  bridle  hand  to  the  left,  the  right  rein  becomes 
pressed  against  the  horse's  neck,  while  the  left  is  slack- 
ened :  now,  instead  of  the  horse  being  governed  by  the 
action  of  the  rein  against  his  neck  (as  some  horsemen 
affirm),  the  bit  acts  upon  the  right  side  of  the  mouth 
only,  and  consequently  he  turns  to  the  left  to  avoid  or 
free  himself  from  the  pressure.  Vice  versa,  turning  the 
horse  to  the  right. 

All  operations  of  the  bridle  hand  should  be  firm,  gen- 
tle, and  light;  and  the  transition  gradual.  The  rider 
should  frequently  feel  the  horse  with  a  gentle  hand, 
which  will  make  him  hold  up  his  head  for  the  bits  to  act 
advantageously,  keep  him  light  in  hand,  and  prevent  the 


44  THE   HORSEMAN. 

necessity  of  passing  abruptly  from  one  extreme  to  an- 
other. 

Were  the  rider  to  go  at  once  from  a  firm  hand  to  a 
slack  one,  the  horse  would  be  deprived  of  the  support  to 
which  he  trusted,  and  consequently  be  precipitated  on 
his  shoulders  so  as  to  stumble  or  fall.  On  the  contrary, 
were  he  to  change  suddenly  and  abruptly  from  a  slack 
rein  to  a  tight  one,  he  would  not  only  injure  the  horse's 
mouth,  but  throw  him  upon  his  haunches  with  a  shock, 
and  perhaps  fling  himself  over  his  head. 

SECTION  XVI. — The  use  of  the  Stirrups  and  how  to  be 
adjusted. 

The  stirrup  is  intended  only  to  support  the  weight  of 
the  leg,  enable  the  rider  to  mount  and  dismount,  and,  in 
extreme  cases,  to  assist  him  in  regaining)  not  maintain- 
ing his  equilibrium. 

It  should  hang  with  the  eye  inside  and  the  flat  sides  of 
the  leather  against  the  saddle  skirts ;  and  when  the  ri- 
der's foot  is  in  it,  the  flat  side,  instead  of  the  edge  of  the 
leather,  should  be  next  to  his  leg,  always  placing  the 
foot  in  from  the  outside  of  the  iron. 

When  the  rider  stands  erect  in  the  stirrups,  the  space 
between  his  fork  or  crotch,  and  the  seat  of  the  saddle, 
should  be  four  inches  or  the  breadth  of  his  hand. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  45 

SECTION  XVII. — Position  of  the  Foot  in  the  stirrup. 

The  foot  should  be  inserted  about  one-third  of  its 
length,  or  the  ball  resting  upon  the  bottom  iron;  the 
heel  should  be  about  an  inch  lower  than  the  toe,  and  the 
foot  parallel  to  the  horse's  side. 

By  keeping  the  heel  below  the  toe,  the  foot  remains 
in  the  stirrup  without  effort ;  and  the  horse  is  more  se- 
cure from  the  constant  pricking  of  the  spur. 

If  the  stirrup  is  too  long,  or  the  foot  not  inserted  far 
enough,  it  cannot  support  the  weight  of  the  leg ;  besides, 
the  rider  runs  the  risk  of  losing  it  at  every  sudden  move- 
ment of  the  horse.  If  the  foot  is  too  far  through,  the  leg 
cannot  be  supported. 

The  practice  of  standing' and  rising  in  the  stirrups  is 
common  in  turf  and  road  riding ;  and  as  there  is  but  the 
.  one  simple  movement  of  the  horse,  "  going  a-head"  on 
level  ground,  an  ordinary  horseman  can  sit  him  with  ap- 
parent skill  and  security  to  himself;  but  the  accomplish- 
ed and  scientific  horseman  alone  can  conform  and  ac- 
commodate himself  to  the  violent  and  sometimes  unex- 
pected counteractions  of  the  animal  in  leaping,  turning, 
halting,  shying,  &c. 


SECTION  XVIII. — The  use  of  the  Spurs,  and  where  to  be 
applied. 

Spurs  can  be  employed  only  with  much  safety  and  ad- 
vantage by  accomplished  horsemen.     When  the  spurs 


"46  THE    HORSEMAN. 

become  necessary,  as  a  means  of  chastisement,  or  to 
urge  the  horse  (the  pressure  of  the  legs  being  insuffi- 
cient), they  should  be  applied  a  few  inches  behind  the 
girth,  and  witn  a  touch  capable  of  producing  the  desired 
effect. 

The  spur  should  be  applied  with  a  force  according  to 
the  sensibility  of  the  horse,  not  "  always  vigorously." 

To  insure  the  action  of  the  spur,  the  rider  should  turn 
the  toe  a  little  out. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  47 


CHAPTER  IV. 

SECTION  I. — On  the  Management  of  the  Horse. 

BEFORE  treating  of  the  horse's  paces,  we  deem  it  pro- 
per to  say  a  few  words  on  the  subject  of  animations ,  ca- 
resses, corrections,  fyc. 

A  gentle  pressure  of  the  legs,  a  kind  word  from  the 
rider,  or  switching  the  whip,  animates  the  horse. 

Caresses  are  employed  to  dispel  the  fears  of  the  ani- 
mal and  to  give  him  confidence,  or  show  him  that  the 
rider  is  satisfied  with  his  performance. 

These  can  be  effected  by  the  rider  speaking  to  the 
horse  in  a  kind,  mild  tone  j  relinquishing  the  pressure  of 
the  legs,  and  patting  or  stroking  his  neck. 

Corrections  are  whipping,  spurring,  and  speaking 
sharply  to  the  horse. 

Instead,  however,  of  spurring  or  whipping  the  horse 
too  much,  to  correct  him  in  his  movements,  the  rider 
should  oppose  him  by  restraint  and  make  him  perform 
directly  the  contrary.  For  example :  if  the  horse  backs 
contrary  to  the  will  of  the  rider,  he  should  first  apply  the 
whip  or  spurs ;  if,  by  that  means,  he  does  not  succeed  in 
urging  him  forward,  he  must  be  assisted  in  his  backing 
until  he  becomes  heartily  tired  of  it.  Likewise,  if  the 
horse  is  disposed  to  turn  around  and  around,  the  rider 
should  also  help  him  in  that,  if  the  contrary  means  (ap- 
plying the  opposite  spur  and  rein)  are  ineffectual. 


48  THE   HORSEMAN. 

If  a  horse  is  unwilling  to  move  forward,  the  rider 
should  make  him  passage  or  go  sidewise  to  the  right  or  left, 
then  urge  him  to  the  front. 

When  the  whip  is  employed  as  a  chastisement,  it 
should  be  applied  smartly  around  the  belly  behind  the 
girth,  or  over  the  shoulders ;  but  never  over  the  head. 

Some  horses  disregard  the  spurs  but  fly  at  the  whip, 
and  vice  versd.  The  rider,  consequently,  should  use  that 
which  is  best  calculated  to  produce  the  desired  effect.  If 
either  or  both  fail,  and  the  horse  is  found  to  be  decidedly 
obstinate  and  restive,  we  would  recommend  to  the  rider 
to  part  with  him  immediately,  or  at  least,  not  attempt  to 
conquer  him  effectually  under  the  saddle ;  for  it  must  be 
within  the  knowledge  of  every  horseman,  or  dealer  in 
horses,  that  a  tricky,  mulish,  or  restive  horse,  may  be 
partially  subdued  and  broken,  but  at  some  subsequent  pe- 
riod will  renew  his  old  mischievous  capers. 

In  all  corrections  and  chastisements,  the  rider  should 
endeavor  rather  to  work  upon  the  mind  than  the  body  of 
the  horse. 

SECTION  II.— The  Walk. 
(See  Plate  XL) 

IN  this  pace  there  are  four  distinct  treads  or  beats, 
marked  as  each  foot  touches  the  ground. 

First,  the  right  or  off  fore  foot;*  secondly,  the  left 

*  This  order  is  reversed  when  the  near  fore  foot  commences 
the  movement. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  49 

or  near  hind  foot ;  thirdly,  the  near  or  left  fore  foot ;  and 
lastly,  the  right  or  off  hind  foot. 

This  pace  is  performed  with  the  least  exertion  to  the 
horse,  only  one  foot  at  a  time  being  off  the  ground. 

The  horse  should  put  the  feet  flatly  to  the  ground,  in 
regular  time,  his  steps  being  quick  and  animated,  and 
measuring  exact  distances. 

To  perfect  the  horse  in  the  walk,  the  rider  should  be 
steady  in  his  seat,  animate  him  with  the  legs  or  whip, 
and  sustain  him  with  the  bridle  hand. 

If  the  rein  is  drawn  too  tight,  the  horse  will  be  thrown 
upon  his  haunches,  thereby  diminishing  the  stride ;  if  too 
slack,  he  wrill  extend  his  neck,  carry  his  head  low,  be  in- 
attentive to  his  steps,  move  slovenly,  and  occasionally 
stumble. 

If  the  horse  is  too  much  urged,  he  will  trot. 

SECTION  III. — Turns  in  the  Walk. 

All  turns  should  be  made  slowly,  combining  the  aid  of 
the  legs  with  a  firm  and  steady  bridle  hand. 

In  executing  the  turns  with  the  bridoon  or  snaffle  reins 
separated,  the  hand  to  the  side  the  turn  is  made,  should 
be  carried  out  and  a  little  lower  than  the  other,  which 
must  be  kept  in  the  original  position  for  the  purpose  of 
supporting  the  horse  after  the  turn  is  made.  The  elbows, 
of  course,  should  be  close  to  the  body. 

With  the  full  bridle  (bit  and  bridoon),  or  the  snaffle 
reins  crossed  in  either  hand,  the  hand  should  be  carried 

6 
I 


50  THE    HORSEMAN. 

forward,  slightly  raised,  and  then  to  the  side ;  all  com- 
prehending but  one  motion. 

In  these  turns,  the  horse  must  be  sustained  by  gently 
applying  the  means  of  turning  to  the  right  after  the  turn 
to  the  left  is  executed;  and  vice  versa  turning  to  the 
right.  This  principle  must  be  observed  in  all  the  move- 
ments of  the  horse,  and  throughout  all  the  paces.* 

The  rider  must  now  perceive  that  the  horse  makes  the 
turns  or  wheels  upon  three  distinct  pivots ;  his  centre,  on 
his  fore  feet  and  on  his  hind  feet ;  and  that  he  directs 
these  movements,  before  his  own  person,  by  the  bridle 
hand,  and  behind  it  by  the  spurs  or  whip. 

The  aids  of  the  bridle  hand  and  legs  must  correspond, 
and  with  a  degree  of  force  necessary  only  to  carry  them 
into  effect. 

If  the  force  is  insufficient,  the  horse  will  merely  ad- 
vance or  describe  a  circle,  or  an  arc  of  one,  much  larger 
than  the  rider  intends.  On  the  contrary,  if  the  hand  is 
abrupt,  and  the  leg  not  applied  to  support  him,  he  will 
interfere  and  trip  himself. 

At  the  termination  of  these  turns  or  wheels,  the  bridle 
hand  and  legs  must  instantly  resume  their  proper  or  ori- 
ginal position. 

The  utility  and  necessity  of  the  turns  upon  the  horse's 
own  centre,  will  appear  more  obvious  in  the  quicker 
paces,  and  when  the  rider  is  fencing  or  using  the  sabre 
in  the  saddle. 

*  For  a  fuller  explanation  of  these  principles,  see  the  gallop. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  51 

The  greatest  precision  and  delicacy  are  requisite  in  the 
application  of  the  aids.  If  one  leg  is  closer  than  the 
other,  the  horse  will  throw  his  haunches  out  or  in,  which 
will  cause  a  shortening  of  the  step  in  one  of  the  hind 
legs,  and  consequently  the  stride  will  be  diminished  and 
the  cadence  lost. 

SECTION  IV. — Stops. 
(See  Plate  XV.) 

In  ordinary  riding,  the  stop  or  halt  is  made  gradually, 
and  without  shock  to  the  rider  or  horse. 

To  stop  a  horse  without  injury  to  himself  or  the  rider, 
his  haunches  should  be  brought  under  him  by  closing  the 
legs,  and  the  rein  drawn  firmly  and  steadily,  and  the  rider 
clinging  or  embracing  the  horse  with  his  legs  and  throw- 
ing himself  somewhat  in  the  cantle,  without  pressing  in 
the  stirrups. 

If  the  rider  can  halt  within  a  space  of  eight  feet  from 
a.  full  gallop,  and  maintain  his  position,  it  will  show  the 
superiority  of  the  bridle  hand  over  the  horse,  and  should 
be  termed  the  very  acme  of  horsemanship* 

Were  the  rider  to  approach  suddenly  and  unexpected- 
ly the  brink  of  a  precipice,  a  gully,  or  any  other  obstacle, 
he  would  then  discover  (perhaps  too  late)  how  indispen- 
sably necessary  it  is,  not  only  to  be  a  scientific  horse- 


*  The  accomplished  horseman  can,  in  a  few  trials,  train  his 
horse  to  this  perfection  in  the  halt. 


62  THE    HORSEMAN. 

man,  but  to  have  his  horse  trained,  and  at  once  obedient 
to  the  bridle  hand  under  all  circumstances  and  in  every 
emergency. 

SECTION  V. — To  Back  the  Horse. 

In  backing,  there  are  two  distinct  beats  of  the  feet : 
the  horse  raises  and  steps,  first  the  left  or  near  hind  leg 
and  the  right  or  off  fore  leg  at  the  same  time ;  next,  the 
right  or  off  hind  leg  and  the  left  or  near  fore  leg.  This 
order  is  reversed  if  the  right  or  off  hind  leg  begins  the 
movement. 

For  a  horse  to  back  properly,  he  should  be  upon  his 
haunches,  have  one  of  his  hind  legs  always  under  him,  on 
which  to  rest  and  balance,  and  to  impel  or  push  him- 
self backwards ;  his  head  steady,  and  his  legs  well  gath- 
ered. 

To  aid  and  assist  the  horse  in  this  movement,  the  rider 
should  incline  the  body  slightly  forward,  hold  the  hand 
a  little  lower  than  usual,  the  reins  equally  and  steadily, 
and  yield  and  check  instead  of  making  a  dead  pull. 

To  prevent  the  horse  from  swerving,  the  rider  should 
press  the  legs  gently  to  the  sides  in  rear  of  the  girth. 

If  he  throws  the  croup  to  the  right,  close  the  right  leg 
or  spur  ;  if  to  the  left,  the  left  leg  or  spur.* 


*  The  reader  will  bear  in  mind  that  the  bridle  hand  causes 
and  compels  the  action,  and  the  heels  or  spurs  direct  it. 


THE  HORSEMAN. 


63 


Plate  XV.— The  Halt. 


, 

THE    HORSEMAN.  56 

SECTION  VI.— The  Trot. 
(See  Plate  XIII.) 

There  are  two  beats  of  the  feet  in  a  trot :  first,  the  off 
fore  and  the  near  hind  feet  together ;  next,  the  near  fore 
and  the  off  hind  feet — two  legs  crosswise  being  off  the 
ground,  and  two  on. 

When  the  rider  wishes  to  urge  the  horse  to  go  faster 
than  he  can  by  moving  one  foot  after  the  other,  as  in  the 
walk,  he  should  raise  the  bridle  hand  and  close  the  legs, 
or  give  spur,  which  will  compel  him  to  increase  the  pace 
to  the  trot  by  raising  two  legs  at  a  time. 

The  rider  should  know  when  and  how  to  put  the 
horse  at  the  top  of  his  speed  and  not  force  him  to  break, 
when  he  discovers  an  irregularity  in  the  beats  of  his  feet 
or  a  loss  of  cadence. 

The  perfection  of  the  trot  depends  upon  the  suppleness 
and  union  of  action  in  the  reaching  and  gathering  pow- 
ers of  the  horse. 

As  the  horse  sustains  the  greater  portion  of  the  weight 
and  shock  upon  his  fore  legs,  it  behooves  the  rider  to 
seat  himself  and  manage  the  horse  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  distribute  his  labor  equally.  This  is  indispensably  ne- 
cessary, especially  for  horses  that  are  higher  in  the  with- 
ers than  the  croup.* 

To  maintain  the  seat  in  this  pace,  the  rider  should  bal- 
ance himself  and  yield  to  the  horse's  motion  by  rendering 

*  See  remarks  on  the  conformation  of  the  horse. 


• 


56  THE    HOUSEMAN. 

the  small  of  the  back  flexible,  and  at  the  same  time  in- 
clining the  body  a  little  backward ;  not  by  a  pressure  of 
the  knees,  nor  by  rising  and  standing  in  the  stirrups. 
In  the  extended  trot  the  horse  straightens  himself  and 

O 

moves  directly  forward  and  without  restraint. 

To  pass  to  the  extended  trot,  the  rider  should  relax  the 
grasp  of  the  legs  gradually,  and  lower  the  bridle  hand. 

To  move  a  horse  to  the  supple  trot,  he  must  be  well 
in  hand,  head  up,  and  his  hind  legs  brought  under  him 
by  an  occasional  pressure  of  the  legs  or  spurs. 

The  turns  at  right  angles  in  the  trot,  should  corre- 
spond with  the  pace:  they  may,  however,  be  made 
slower,  but  never  faster,  except  by  an  experienced 
horseman. 

In  road  riding,  the  horse  is  not  subjected  to  so  many 
aids  of  the  legs  and  variations  of  the  bridle  hand,  as  in 
the  more  complicated  practices  of  the  manege  ;  conse- 
quently there  is  less  skill  required  on  the  part  of  the 
rider,  and  therefore  some  deviations  from  the  proper  mode 
of  riding  are  admissible ;  such  as  rising  in  the  stirrups  at 
every  stride  of  the  horse,  sitting  in  the  cantle,  &c. 

The  danger  and  insecurity,  however,  attending  the 
practice  of  riding  with  very  short  stirrups  must^ppear 
obvious  to  the  reader.  The  shorter  the  stirrups,  the  more 
the  seat  is  in  the  cantle  of  the  saddle,  consequently  the 
clasp  of  the  thighs  is  partially  lost,  and  the  rider  compel- 
led to  depend  solely  upon  his  balance. 


THE  HORSEMAN. 


67 


Plate  XIII.— The  Horse  Trotting. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  59 

• 

SECTION  VII. — The  Gallop. 
(See  Plate  XXL) 

In  this  pace,  the  horse  makes  three  quick  and  distinct 
beats :  first,  the  near  hind  foot ;  secondly,  the  near  fore 
foot  and  the  off  hind  foot,  which  touch  the  ground  at  the 
same  time ;  and  lastly,  the  off  fore  foot.* 

When  the  rider  wishes  to  gallop  from  a  halt,  walk,  or 
trot,  he  should  first  raise  the  bridle  hand  firmly,  then 
slacken  rein  and  close  the  legs,  or  give  spur  until  the 
horse  obeys  (according  to  the  sensibility  of  the  horse), 
and  confine  him  to  the  speed  he  wishes  by  drawing  a 
firm  rein  and  relaxing  the  pressure  of  the  legs. 

It  is  immaterial  which  foot  leads  when  galloping  on  a 
straight  line,  provided  the  hind  leg  of  the  same  side  fol- 
lows the  fore  leg.f  It  would  be  injurious  to  the  horse, 
however,  were  he  to  lead  always  with  the  same  leg. 

When  a  horse  gallops  to  the  right,  or  on  a  circle  (the 
rider  inclining  inwards  and  supporting  himself  with  the 
outer  thigh),  he  must  lead  with  the  off  fore  foot,  followed 
by  the  hind  foot  of  the  same  side.  When  galloping  to 
the  left,  or  on  a  circle  to  the  left,  he  must  lead  with  the 

*  This  is  the  order  when  the  off  fore  foot  leads  ;  it  is  reversed 
when  the  near  fore  foot  is  in  advance. 

f  The  horse  should  lead  with  the  oft  fore  foot  on  a  straight 
line  if  the  rider  uses  a  sabre  ;  for  he  is  more  braced  and  able  to 
bear  the  additional  shock  on  that  leg— the  cuts  and  points  being 
made  more  frequently  and  with  greater  force  on  the  right  side 
of  the  horse. 


60  THE    HORSEMAN. 

near  fore  foot,  followed  by  the  near  hind  foot.  This  is 
termed  true  or  united. 

If,  in  galloping  to  the  right,  the  horse  leads  with  the 
near  fore  foot,  or  galloping  to  the  left  with  the  off  fore 
foot  in  advance,  it  is  termed  false. 

If,  in  galloping,  the  horse  leads  with  the  off  fore  foot, 
followed  by  the  near  hind  foot,  or  mce  versa,  the  horse  is 
disunited.  (See  Plate  XII.) 

To  change  the  step  (the  horse  galloping  with  the  off 
fore  foot  in  advance),  confining  him  to  the  line  on  which 
he  is  moving,  or  one  parallel  to  it,  the  rider  should  draw 
the  right  rein  and  close  the  left  leg. 

By  drawing  the  right  rein  with  the  right  hand,  or 
bearing  the  bridle  hand  to  the  right,  the  rider  confines 
the  action  of  the  right  shoulder ;  and  by  closing  the  leg 
or  giving  spur  on  the  left  side,  he  prevents  the  horse 
from  making  a  turn  to  the  right  (which  he  would  do  if 
the  opposite  leg  or  spur  wrere  not  applied),  and  compels 
him  to  put  forward  the  left  leg. 

The  rider  should  change  from  the  near  to  the  off  fore 
foot  on  the  same  principles,  but  by  inverse  means. 

In  the  gallop  of  the  racer  and  hunter,  the  limbs  are 
extended ;  but  in  the  hackney  or  pleasure  horse,  the  ac- 
tion is  more  confined,  and  consequently  the  pace  is  much 
slower. 

To  confine  the  horse  to  the  canter,  the  rider  should 
raise  the  bridle  hand,  which  thrown  him  upon  his 
haunches,  and  occasionally  close  the  legs  for  the  purpose 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


61 


Plate  XXI. — Running  at  the  Heads. 


• 


THE    HORSEMAN, 


63 


Plate  XII. — The  Horse  Galloping  Disunitedly. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  66 

of  bringing  the  horse's  legs  more  under  him.  (See  Plate 
XIV.) 

The  hand  gallop  is  a  pace  between  the  canter  and  the 
extended  gallop  or  run. 

The  position  of  the  horse  in  galloping,  always  calls 
for  a  corresponding  one  from  the  rider ;  for  instance,  if 
the  horse  leads  with  the  right  side,  the  rider's  leg  on  that 
side  will  be  more  advanced  than  the  left,  and  the  inside 
of  the  thigh  will  be  closer  to  the  saddle ;  consequently 
the  other  thigh  will  be  turned  a  little  outward,  and  the 
leg  further  to  the  rear.*  The  hips  and  upper  part  of  the 
body  are  affected  in  like  manner. 

The  degree  and  kind  of  motion  depend  upon  the  posi- 
tion and  action  of  the  horse.  For  instance,  if  the  action 
is  high  with  little  stride,  the  rider's  motion  will  be  verti- 
cal ;  on  the  contrary,  if  forward  with  a  long  stride,  liori- 
zontal. 

The  rider,  while  galloping,  should,  from  time  to  time, 
glance  the  eye  upon  the  ground  the  horse  is  about  to 
pass  over. 

SECTION  VIII.— Starts,  Turns,  Stops,  fyc 
To  start  from  a  halt,  to  a  gallop,  upon  the  circle,  the 

*  The  rider  necessarily  deviates  from  this  position  (the  left 
leg  being  closer  and  more  advanced  than  the  right)  when  using 
the  sabre  to  the  right  or  right  rear  ;  but  the  aids  of  the  left  leg 
and  the  bridle  hand  must  be  applied,  lest  this  counteraction 
swerve  the  horse  from  the  true  direction,  or  change  his  step. 
7* 


66  THE   HORSEMAN. 

rider  should  always  put  the  shoulder  of  the  horse  in  ad- 
vance, by  which  he  is  to  lead  and  turn  the  croup  from 
the  track  toward  the  centre  of  the  circle ;  draw  the  outer 
rein  (so  as  to  confine  the  action  of  that  shoulder),  and 
urge  him  forward  with  both  legs  or  spurs — the  outer  leg 
or  spur  pressed  the  harder. 

To  strike  the  gallop  from  the  walk  or  trot,  the  rider 
should  raise  the  bridle  hand  and  carry  it  outwards,  ap- 
plying the  legs  or  spurs  as  prescribed  for  the  start. 

To  turn  the  horse  at  right  angles,  or  to  change  hands* 
(being  at  a  gallop)  by  crossing  the  circle,  the  rider 
should,  when  within  a  few  paces  of  the  opposite  side  of 
the  track,  raise  the  bridle  hand  and  close  the  outer  leg 
(sinking  a  little  in  the  saddle)  to  make  the  horse  change 
the  step.f 

To  stop  the  horse  from  the  gallop,  the  rider  should 
draw  the  reins  and  prepare  himself  for  the  shock  when 
the  horse's  fore  feet  are  about  to  touch  the  ground. 
This  is  the  proper  time  to  halt,  being  the  commencement 
of  the  cadence,  and  immediately  before  the  horse  gathers 
for  another  stride. 

In  lessening  the  circle,  the  rider  must  use  a  very  deli- 
cate bridle  hand  and  sustain  the  horse  with  the  inner  leg ; 
but  if,  after  this  precaution,  he  should  change  step  or 

*  Galloping  with  the  right  side  toward  the  centre  of  the  cir- 
cle, is  termed  to  the  right  hand,  and  vice  versa. 

|  This  should  be  practised  upon  a  large  circle  at  first,  then 
gradually  diminished  (as  the  rider  and  horse  improve)  until  the 
horse  turns  upon  his  own  centre. 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


67 


Plate  XIV.— -The  Horse  Cantering. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  69 

bolt,  the  movement  must  be  recommenced  until  the  horse 
learns  what  is  required  of  him.  « 

SECTION  IX. — Leaping. 

The  most  secure  position  for  the  rider  in  all  leaps,  as 
in  all  critical  situations,  is  to  yield  to  the  seat  by  bending 
the  loins,  to  cling  with  the  thighs  and  calves  of  the  legs, 
and  to  accommodate  himself  to  the  horse's  motions,  and 
not  depend  upon  the  stirrups  for  support. 

The  reader  should  bear  in  mind  that  the  weight  of  the 
body  alone  presses  in  the  seat,  and  that  a  pressure  in  the 
stirrups  tends  to  lift  him  from  the  saddle  and  lessen  the 
clasp  of  the  thighs. 

Leaping  a  ditch,  gully,  or  space  (See  Plate  XVIIL),  the 
rider  should  give  the  reins  (to  enable  the  horse  to  extend 
his  neck,  see  the  object,  and  to  measure  his  steps),  main- 
tain his  seat  erect,  yield  the  body  slightly,  and  cling  with 
the  legs.  While  the  horse  is  descending,  the  reins  should 
be  gathered  in  order  to  support  and  check  him  after  he 
strikes  the  ground. 

We  must  again  observe  that  the  stirrups  are  no  secur- 
ity to  the  rider's  seat  in  any  situation  whatever. 

A  ditch  for  practising  the  leap,  should  be  twenty  feet 
long,  two  or  four  feet  wide,  and  one  deep.  The  length 
may  be  increased  according  to  the  number  of  horses  leap- 
ing together.* 

*  The  same  rules  should  govern  two  or  more  persons  leaping 
the  bar  or  ditch  together,  as  in  leaping  singly.  (See  Plates  XIX 
and  XX.) 


70  THE    HORSEMAN. 

In  all  leaps  the  bridle  hand  should  be  yielded. 

The  rider  should  know  his  horse  well  before  he  at- 
temps  a  high  leap.  He  should  commence,  first,  over  a 
bar  about  six  inches  from  the  ground  at  a  halt  and  a  gal- 
lop, then  gradually  increase  the  height  according  to  the 
powers  of  the  horse. 

Several  instances,  however,  have  come  under  our  ob- 
servation, of  horsemen  having  been  obliged  to  raise  their 
horses  (being  heavy  in  the  fore  hand)  over  obstacles  by 
a  firm  and  hard  pull. 

The  degree  in  which  a  horse  should  be  gathered  and 
animated  in  leaping,  depends  much  on  his  temperament 
and  conformation,  and  must  be  left  to  the  judgment  and 
decision  of  the  rider. 

In  the  standing  leap  over  the  bar  (See  Plate  XVI.), 
the  rider  should  incline  the  body  forward  when  the  horse 
rises,  so  as  not  to  check  nor  pull  him  over  backward. 

This  leap  is  difficult  "  to  sit,"  being  sudden  and  in- 
stantaneous, and,  for  a  moment,  leaving  the  rider  in  a 
helpless  situation. 

The  flying  leap  (See  Plate  XVII.),  on  the  contrary,  is 
comparatively  easy  for  the  rider  and  horse ;  for  it  is  a 
mere  continuation  of  the  canter  or  gallop,  with  a  slight 
acceleration  of  rise  and  speed  while  clearing  the  obsta- 
cle. 

The  body,  in  this  leap,  should  be  erect,  but  slightly  in- 
clined backward  or  forward,  according  to  the  kind  of 
leap,  while  the  horse  descends.  For  instance,  if  he 
strikes  the  fore  feet  first,  the  rider  should  lean  a  little 


THE   HORSEMAN. 


71 


Plate  XVIIL—The  Horse  Leaping  the  Ditch  at  a 

Gallop. 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


73 


Plate  XIX. — Two  Horses  Leaping  the  Ditch' at  a 
Gallop 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


75 


Plate  XX. — Two  Horses  Leaping  the  Bar  at  a  Gallwp. 


THE    HORSEMAJN7. 


77 


Plate  XVL—The  Rise  in  the  Standing  Leap  aver 
the  Bar. 


8* 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


79 


Plate  XVIL — The  Horse  Leaping  the  Bar  at  a  Gallop. 


THE  HORSEMAN.  81 

backward  and  support  him  with  the  rein ;  if,  on  the  con- 
trary, he  comes  to  the  ground  with  the  hind  feet  first,  the 
rider  must  sit  erect  or  incline  the  body  forward  and 
check  him  when  his  fore  feet  are  about  to  touch. 

After  the  rider  can  leap  a  single  bar  without  having 
his  seat  deranged,  he  should  place  three  or  four  bars  so 
far  apart  as  to  admit  of  one  or  two  jumps  between  each 
one:  afterwards  close  them  (according  to  the  reach  of 
the  horse),  and  compel  him  to  clear  them  all  by  a  suc- 
cession of  leaps,  and  without  an  intermediate  jump  or 
stride.  This  is  the  perfection  of  leaping. 

SECTION  X.—  To  Passage  or  Move  the  Horse  Sidewise. 

The  rider,  to  passage  to  the  right  at  a  walk,  trot,  or 
canter,  should  sit  well  forward,  clasp  with  the  thighs, 
bear  the  bridle  hand  up  and  to  the  right  (in  order  that 
the  shoulder  may  precede  the  movement  of  the  haunch- 
es), and  close  the  left  leg,  spur  or  whip  behind  the  girth. 
Vice  versa,  passaging  to  the  left. 

Whenever  a  whip  is  carried,  the  point  or  lash  should 
be  held  downward  toward  his  flank,  and  out  of  his  sight, 
lest  it  alarm  or  unnecessarily  animate  him. 

As  some  horses  obey  more  readily  the  whip  than  the 
spur,  it  may  be  carried  in  the  left  hand  (the  reins  being 
in  the  right  hand),  and  applied  gently  to  his  flank  for  the 
purpose  of  making  him  pass  his  croup  to  the  right.  If 
the  left  leg  is  kept  near  during  this  operation,  the  horse, 


82  THE    HORSEMAN. 

in  a  few  trials,  will  yield  to  its  pressure  without  the  aid 
of  the  whip. 

SECTION  XI. — Running  at  the  Heads  and  Rings. 
(See  Plate  XXL) 

This  practice  is  a  source  of  very  great  amusement  as 
well  as  instruction,  and  it  will  fully  test  the  skill  of  the 
rider  in  horsemanship  and  the  use  of  the  sabre. 

For  this  purpose  place  six  or  more  posts  (five  and  a 
half  feet  high),  about  twenty  feet  apart  on  a  straight 
line,  square,  or  circle,  and  on  the  top  of  each,  put  a  ball 
(the  size  of  a  man's  head)  made  of  canvass,  stuffed  with 
hay  or  straw. 

The  rings  should  be  two  or  five  inches  in  diameter, 
and  sewed  in  the  ends  of  a  strap  nine  inches  long,  and 
suspended  from  an  arm  fixed  in  one  of  the  head  posts  (See 
Plate  IX.) ;  and  this  should  be  projected  over  the  track 
in  such  a  way  that  the  rider  may  pass  under  it  with  his 
right  shoulder. 

It  should  hang  a  few  inches  above  the  rider's  head,  but 
raised  when  taken  in  the  leap.  (See  Plate  XXIV.) 

The  points  only  are  used  in  taking  the  ring  (See  Plate 
XXII.),  the  rider  extricating  it  from  the  sabre  by  drop- 
ping the  point  downward  to  the  right  side  of  the  horse, 
arm  extended ;  then  returning  to  the  engage,  and  instant- 
ly preparing  for  the  next  cut  or  point. 

In  order  to  accustom  the  horse  to  passing  the  posts, 
and  to  prevent  him  from  shying  when  the  balls  are 


THE    HORSEMAN, 


83 


Plate  IX.— Ring-Post. 


THE   HORSEMAN. 


85 


Plate  XXIV.— Taking  the  Ring  in  the  Leap. 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


Plate  XXIL— Running  at  the  Rings. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  89 

knocked  about,  the  rider  should  commence  the  movement 
at  a  walk  and  exert  the  strength  of  the  arm  alone  in 
making  the  cuts  and  points,  lest  he  derange  his  own  po- 
sition in  the  saddle,  and  swlrve  the  horse  from  the  track. 

While  running  at  the  heads  and  rings,*  the  principles 
of  the  gallop  must  be  observed. 

As  the  cuts  and  points  are  made  oftener  and  with 
more  effect  on  the  right  side  of  the  horse,  the  posts 
should  be  placed  on  that  side. 

The  rider  may,  however,  change  hands,  making  the 
cuts  and  points  on  the  left  side  of  the  horse ;  and  to  vary 
the  practice  still  more,  he  should  place  the  posts  in  two 
rows  on  either  side  of  the  track,  and  cut  and  point  at  the 
first  ball  on  the  right,  the  next  on  the  left,  and  so  on ; 
the  distance  from  post  to  post  being  great  enough  to  al- 
low the  rider  time  to  prepare  for  the  next  cut  or  point, 
and  to  guide  his  horse. 

After  the  rider  has  become  expert  at  this  practice,  the 
balls  should  be  placed  on  shorter  posts  or  blocks,  and 
finally  on  the  ground  (See  Plate  XXIII.),  cutting  and 
pointing  at  a  full  gallop. ,f 

*  This  practice  can  also  be  done  with  the  lance. 

f  The  body  should  be  inclined  forward  and  over  the  horse's 
right  shoulder,  the  rider  maintaining  his  seat  by  closing  or 
clinging  with  the  calves  of  the  legs,  and  not  trusting  to  the  right 
stirrup  for  support.  He  may,  when  obliged  to  stoop  very  low' 
sustain  himself  with  the  left  wrist  against  the  pommel  of  the  sad- 
dle, giving  great  attention,  however,  to  the  bridle  hand,  lest,  by 
the  inclination  of  the  body,  the  horse  is  caused  to  deviate  from 

the  true  direction. 

9* 


90  THE*  HORSEMAN. 

Before  attempting  this  difficult  and  apparently  danger- 
ous exercise,  the  rider  should  not  fail  to  examine  care- 
fully the  equipments  and  satisfy  himself  of  the  strength 
and  security  of  the  girths,  stirrup  leathers,  &c.  In  a 
word,  the  success  and  safety  of  the  rider  in  almost  every 
performance  of  the  horse  depend  materially  upon  the 
proper  adjustment  of  the  appointments. 

SECTION  XII. — Pistol  Practice. 

As  there  is  a  pistol  exercise  embraced  in  almost  every 
system  of  cavalry  tactics,  we  have  deemed  it  unnecessary 
to  swell  this  work  with  all  the  details  of  drawing,  load- 
ing, firing,  and  returning  pistol. 

We  shall  merely  give  the  safest  and  most  expeditious 
mode  of  cocking  the  pistol  without  the  aid  of  the  bridle 
hand,  together  with  a  few  hints  on  firing,  &c. 

After  drawing  the  pistol  from  the  holster,  hold  it  ver- 
tically in  the  right  hand,  arm  half  extended,  the  barrel 
or  cock  to  the  left,  the  thumb  extended  on  the  hammer 
or  screw  of  the  cock,  the  middle  finger  under,  and  the 
fore  finger  above  or  within  the  guard  to  steady  it  while 
cocking 

To  fire  the  pistol  (See  Plate  XXV.),  hold  it  in  the 
manner  prescribed  for  cocking,  and  when  at  the  proper 
distance  from  the  object  to  be  fired  at,  drop  the  muzzle 
and  pull  trigger. 

In  firing  at  the  heads,  the  principles  of  the  gallop 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


91 


Plate  XXIII. — Running  at  the  Ball  upon  the  Ground. 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


93 


Plate  XXV.— Firing  the  Pistol  at  the  Head  to  the  Right- 
Front. 


THE   HORSEMAN.  95 

should  be  observed,  and  the  trigger  pulled  at  the  instant 
the  horse  rises.  . 

The  surest  direction  to  fire  at  the  gallop  is,  to  the  front 
and  rear.  The  rider,  however,  can,  with  little  practice, 
fire  with  considerable  accuracy  to  the  right  and  left  front, 
or  right  and  left  rear. 

When  firing  at  an  object  over  the  horse's  left  shoulder, 
to  the  rear  over  his  croup,  or  near  on  the  ground  at  either 
side,  the  arm  should  be  extended. 

Before  firing  with  ball-cartridge,  the  pistol  should  be 
loaded  with  blank  cartridge  and  a  wet  wad,  which  will 
be  sufficient  to  knock  off  a  ball  from  a  post  at  a  distance 
of  three  or  four  yards. 

Firing  to  the  left  rear  may  be  done  either  over  or  under 
the  bridle  arm :  if  under,  the  elbow  should  be  slightly  de- 
tached from  the  body  without  affecting  the  position  of 
the  bridle  hand. 

As  the  rider  will  find  it  impracticable  tp  draw  sabre, 
after  firing  (being  at  a  gallop),  quick  enough  to  take  the 
heads  and  rings  in  his  course,  he  may,  previous  to  draw- 
ing pistol,  place  the  sabre  in  the  bridle  hand  diagonally 
across  the  horse's  neck,  edge  to  the  front,  and  point  to 
the  left  front,  to  enable  him  to  grasp  it  immediately  after 
returning,  or  securing  the  pistol  under  the  bridle  arm. 

The  rider,  to  perfect  himself  in  this  practice,  should 
gallop  toward,  and  when  within  ten  or  fifteen  paces  of 
the  object,  turn  immediately  to  the  right  or  left  about 
and  fire  at  it  over  the  horse's  croup.  (See  Plate  XXVII.) 
Also  to  fire  at  an  object  in  the  leap.  (See  Plate  XXVI.) 


96  THE   HORSEMAN. 

CHAPTER  V. 

SECTION  I. — -On  the  Vices  of  the  Horse. 

As  resistance  in  horses  proceeds  from  spirit  and  vice, 
mal-formation,  mal-treatment,  or  an  improper  adjustment 
of  the  equipments,  the  rider,  before  mounting  one  of  this 
character,  should  examine  minutely  every  portion  of  the 
bridle  and  saddle  affecting  him. 

The  vices  to  which  some  horses  are  addicted,  are  rest- 
iveness,  shying,  plunging,  bolting,  rearing,  kicking,  &c. 
We  will  examine  them  severally,  and  give,  as  far  as 
practicable,  a  remedy. 

Restiveness  in  a  horse  consists  in  turning  round  and 
round,  moving  backward  and  forward,  standing  stock- 
still,  and  sidling  or  passaging  contrary  to  the  will  of  the 
rider.  It  is  frequently  caused  by  bad  management  on 
the  part  of  the  rider,  mal-treatment,  or  an  improper 
adjustment  of  the  equipments.  For  example :  if  the  bit 
touches  and  jars  the  tushes,  it  gives  him  pain  or  annoys 
him,  and  to  relieve  himself,  he  throws  up  his  head  or 
draws  it  to  his  breast,  turns  round  and  round,  and,  in  fact, 
attempts  almost  everything  to  free  himself.  He  likewise 
does  the  same  when  the  bit  is  so  high  as  to  gag  him,  or 
the  crook  to  touch  the  palate. 

If  the  saddle  binds  his  shoulders  too  tightly,  or  rests 
upon  the  spine,  he  will  crouch  and  sink  under  it,  and  if 
not  immediately  relieved,  will  become  restive. 


THE    HORSEMAN 


97 


Plate  XXVIL— Firing  at    a  Mark  to  the  Rear,  over  the 
Horse's  Croup. 


10 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


99 


Plate  XXVL— Firing  the  Pistol  at  the  Head  in  the  Leap. 


THE    HOUSEMAN.  101 

As  a  general  rule,  when  the  horse  puts  himself  in  an 
attitude  of  determined  resistance,  the  rider  should  not 
contend  with  him ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  try  to  conquer 
by  assisting  him  in  all  his  movements  until  he  is  unwil- 
ling to  continue  his  opposition.  For  example :  if  he 
backs,  passages,  or  turns  around,  the  rider  should  en- 
courage him  by  all  the  aids  necessary  to  compel  the 
movement ;  and  if  he  stands  immovable,  slacken  the 
reins  and  assume  an  air  of  indifference.  If  the  rider  can- 
not effectually  subdue  him  by  those  means,  he  never  can 
by  harsh  treatment. 

There  are  some  exceptions  to  this  rule,  however, 
where  it  becomes  necessary  for  the  rider  to  oppose  the 
horse.  For  instance :  if  the  rider  wishes  to  go  in  any 
direction,  and  the  horse  turns  from  it,  he  should  be  as- 
sisted in  the  turn  until  his  head  is  brought  around  in  the 
original  direction,  then  urged  forward.  Again,  if  the 
horse  passages  to  an  object,  the  rider  should  turn  his 
head  towards  it  and  then  back  him. 

Shying  consists  in  a  horse's  turning  or  starting  sud- 
denly around,  forward,  backward,  or  to  either  side.  This 
proceeds  from  timidity,  a  want  of  confidence  in  his  rider, 
or  being  unaccustomed  to  see  or  hear  the  object  that 
alarms  him.  * 

To  dispel  the  fears  of  the  horse,  the  rider  should  ca- 
ress and  gently  urge  him  to  the  object,  not  chastise  him, 
for  that  would  increase  his  fears,  and  at  all  subsequent 
starts  or  shies,  he  would  jump  to  avoid  the  punishment 
as  well  as  the  imaginary  object  of  fright.  It  will  be  re- 
10* 


102  THE    HORSEMAN. 

membered  that  a  horse  never  shies  nor  springs  toward 
the  object  which  frightens  him  ;  therefore,  the  applica- 
tion of  the  leg  on  the  side  to  which  he  shies,  becomes  ne- 
cessary, not  only  to  support  and  partially  check  him,  but 
for  the  maintenance  of  the  rider  in  the  seat. 

Rearing  is  the  most  dangerous  of  all  vices,  as  it  en- 
dangers the  rider  \vhen  the  horse  falls  over  backward. 

Horses  of  this  character  are  generally  lo\ver  at  the 
croup  than  the  withers,  up-headed  and  tender-mouthed. 

Whenever  a  horse  rears,  the  rider  should  lean  forward, 
slacken  the  reins,*  and  with  the  right  hand  he  may  seize 
a  lock  of  the  mane,  and  while  he  descends,  give  the  spur 
vigorously. 

If  the  horse  does  not  rear  so  as  to  stand  erect  upon  his 
hind  feet,  the  rider  should  turn  him  quickly  to  the  right 
or  left,  which  will  compel  him  to  move  a  hind  foot  and 
throw  him  off  his  balance.  If  these  means  prove  inef- 
fectual, the  rider  must  procure  a  mild  bit  with  the  crook 
reversed  (See  Plate  VII.),  so  as  to  press  upon  the  tongue 
when  the  bridle  hand  acts. 

The  expedient  of  vaulting  from  a  horse,  while  in  the  act 
of  rearing,  and  pulling  him  over  backward,  seldom  fails 
to  cure  him  of  the  vice ;  but  if  he  is  saddled,  it  is  attended 
with  dangerous  consequences  to  the  rider  andhorse. 

Stumbling  is  a  vice  which  compels  the  rider  to  be  al- 
ways on  the  alert,  giving  all  his  attention  to  the  horse. 

*  The  reins  may  be  separated  for  the  purpose  of  lowering  the 
hands. 


THE  HORSEMAN. 


103 


Plate  VII. — Bit  with  Crook  Reversed. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  105 

This  is  caused  by  a  weakness  in  the  knees,  sprain  in 
the  shoulders,  and  from  a  habit  of  carrying  the  head  too 
low. 

We  have  already  stated  (see  remarks  on  the  horse 
Chapter  III.)  that  the  action  of  the  shoulders  is  confined 
when  the  head  is  too  low,  and  that  some  horses,  from 
weakness  in  the  forehand,  hold  the  head  down  and  seek 
the  aid  of  the  bit. 

To  remedy  this  fault,  procure  a  powerful  bit  with 
short  branches,  and  keep  him  constantly  in  hand. 


AN 


IMPROVED  SABRE  EXERCISE 


CONTAINING 


INSTRUCTIONS  IN  FENCING 


FOR 


MOUNTED   AND    DISMOUNTED   SERVICE. 


THE    HORSEMAN,  109 


PART  II. 

:: 


CHAPTER  VI. 

RULES    FOR   THE    SABRE    EXERCISE    IN   THE    SADDLE. 

SECTION  I. — Cuts. 

THERE  are  only  seven  ways  of  directing  the  edge  of  the 
sabre. 

The  action  of  the  wrist  and  shoulder  alone  should  di- 
rect the  blade ;  but  the  elbow  may  sometimes  be  a  little 
bent  (with  safety)  to  give  more  force  to  the  cut,  thrust, 
or  parry,  particularly  when  acting  against  INFANTRY. 

Of  the  seven  cuts,  four  are  made  diagonally,  two  hori- 
zontally, and  one  perpendicularly. 

The  cuts  three  and  four  should  not  be  made  in  mount- 
ed service,  except  with  t^e  greatest  caution ;  for,  as  in 
making  those  cuts,  the  body  is  somewhat  unavoidably 
exposed,  your  adversary  (if  well  acquainted  with  the  sci- 
ence) will  ever  be  ready  to  take  advantage  of  such  ex- 
posure :  he  will  cause  openings  to  induce  an  attack  at 
those  points,  as  a  cut  at  the  sword  arm  or  bridle  arm  can 
be  made  with  the  greatest  security,  and,  if  well  directed, 
with  most  fatal  effect ;  and  it  at  once  decides  the  issue  of 
the  contest 


no 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


The  edge  of  the  sabre  should  lead  in  whatever  direc- 
tion the  cut  is  intended. 

Every  cut  should  be  made  with  the  sabre  drawn  to- 
ward you  about  an  inch,  lest  it  should  not  prove  a  cut. 

It  should  be  remembered  that  every  cut  made,  ex- 
poses more  or  less  of  the  body,  and  you  should  always  be 
ready  to  guard  the  part  exposed. 

To  enable  you  to  understand  the  direction  of  the  blade 
in  the  cuts,  you  should  have  a  board  about  two  feet 
square,  and  lines  marked  upon  it,  thus : 


At  the  different  points  of  these  lines,  place  the  figures 
as  above  represented. 

Each  cut  is  to  commence  at  its  respective  figure  and 
terminate  at  the  centre,  where  the  lines  cross  one  another. 

From  the  want  of  habit  in  the  exercise  of  the  wrist  in 
the  common  occupations  of  life,  the  use  of  the  sabre  will, 
at  first,  be  found  extremely  tiresome;  and  hence  the 
closest  perseverance  will  be  necessary  to  attain  perfec- 
tion in  the  first  lessons,  which  are  merely  for  the  purpose 
of  acquiring  suppleness  in  the  wrist  and  shoulder,  and  to 


THE    HORSEMAN.  Ill 

bring  those  muscles  of  the  arm  into  action  which  give  the 
weaker  man  (if  a  swordsman)  a  decided  advantage  over 
the  stronger,  if  unaccustomed  to  the  use  of  the  weapon. 

SECTION  II. — Guards. 

There  should  be  but  three  guards  used,  either  in 
mounted  or  dismounted  service ;  and  those  guards,  with 
very  little  variation,  will  receive  all  cuts  that  can  be 
made. 

The  first  guard  is  nearly  horizontal,  the  arm  extended 
and  hand  higher  than  the  head — the  edge  of  the  sabre  up 
and  a  little  inclined  to  the  front — the  point  to  the  left 
front  and  about  six  higher  than  the  hilt.  This  guard 
can  be  made  at  any  point  from  the  left  rear  to  the  rear, 
and  will  protect  against  cut  seven. 

As  an  unerring  rule,  keep  the  sword  hand  directed  to- 
ward your  antagonist's  left  ear  (eying  him  under  the  sa- 
bre) lest  he  takes  advantage  of  your  sword  arm. 

The  second  guard  is  a  hanging  guard  to  the  left  side 
of  the  body,  hand  higher  than  the  head,  edge  to  the  left, 
point  of  the  sabre  a  little  out  to  the  left  front,  and  the 
arm  at  the  full  extent. 

In  the  hanging  guards,  you  are  able  to  protect  your- 
self and  horse  by  varying  them  quicker  than  your  adver- 
sary can  possibly  give  the  cuts.  As  the  formation  of 
these  guards  is  very  simple  and  effective,  they  can  be 
made  with  more  safety,  more  ease,  and  quicker  than  the 
guards  of  any  other  broad-sword  system. 


112  THE    HORSEMAN. 

The  third  guard  is  also  a  hanging  guard,  formed  by 
extending  the  arm  to  the  right  front,  hand  higher  than 
the  head,  edge  out,  and  sabre  nearly  vertical.  This 
guard,  when  correctly  made,  will,  with  but  little  varia- 
tion, protect  against  cuts  two,  four,  and  six  ;  and  if  ex- 
tended to  the  right  rear,  will  save  yourself  and  horse 
from  any  of  the  above  named  cuts. 

All  guards  should  be  made  at  the  full  extent  of  the 
arm. 

If  the  guards  are  made  close  to  the  body,  they  are 
liable  to  become  broken,  and  you  may  still  receive  the 
cut ;  but  the  further  the  guards  are  extended,  the  further 
the  antagonist  is  kept  off. 

In  the  hanging  guards — numbers  two  and  three — the 
point  of  the  sabre  is  sometimes  thrown  out  or  in,  accord- 
ing as  the  cuts  are  made. 

In  forming  the  second  and  third  guards,  it  matters  not 
\vhat  your  position  may  be  in  the  saddle,  they  can  be 
named  at  whatever  point  they  are  made.  For  instance : 
if  you  extend  the  arm  to  the  front,  it  is  called  the  front 
hanging  guard;  if  to  the  right  front,  the  right  front 
hanging  guard,  and  so  on,  until  the  guard  is  formed  en- 
tirely around  you ;  and  it  can  be  made  at  any  point  from 
the  left  rear  to  the  rear,  raising  the  point  of  the  sabre 
over  the  horse's  neck. 

It  is  to  be  supposed  that,  in  single  combat,  swordsmen 
will  meet  sword  arm  to  sword  arm ;  they  will  then  be  on 
equal  footing  as  regards  position. 

It  seldom  happens  (unless  through  exce«dingly  bad 


THE    HORSEMAN.  1 13 

horsemanship)  that  a  person  is  ever  attacked  singly  at 
his  "  weak  quarter,"  i.  e.,  his  left  rear.  He  will  have 
sufficient  time  to  turn  his  horse  "  about"  and  receive  his 
antagonist  j  but,  if  outnumbered  in  pursuit,  he  should 
draw  pistol  and  fire  at  his  pursuer,  under  his  bridle  arm, 
to  the  left  rear,  before  he  gets  within  reach  with  his 
sabre.  After  firing,  he  should  immediately  gather  his 
sabre,  and,  if  possible,  turn  to  the  "  right-about." 

If  your  adversary  passes  you,  which  he  would  not  do 
if  a  swordsman,  pursue  and  attack  him  at  the  same  point, 
i.  e.,  the  left  rear. 

The  attack  should  not  be  made  on  the  left  side,  ex- 
cept against  Infantry  ;  for  your  opponent  has  the  advan- 
tage of  nearly  the  breadth  of  your  chest,  and  quite  so,  if 
to  the  left  rear. 

SECTION  III. — Points. 

There  should  be  but  two  points  used. 

Thefrst  point  is  made  by  drawing  back  the  sabre  so 
that  the  back  of  the  hand  will  be  about  two  in'ches  from 
the  right  cheek,  the  hilt  firmly  grasped,  edge  up,  and 
point  toward  your  antagonist. 

The  second  point  is  used  in  pursuit,  and  made  at  the 
left  rear  or  "  weak  quarter ;"  it  is  formed  by  drawing 
back  the  hand  on  the  right  hip,  basket  or  guard  covering 
the  back  of  the  hand,  edge  up,  and  point  as  high  as  the 
shoulder. 

The  greatest  caution  must  be  observed  in  giving  point, 
11* 


114  THE    HORSEMAN. 

as  there  is  much  uncertainty  in  thrusting  at  the  exact 
place  intended. 

The  edge  of  the  sabre  should  always  be  kept  up  when 
giving  point,  for  the  blade  may  be  broken  or  jarred  from 
the  hand  by  the  parry,  if  the  fiat  side  is  presented. 

The  shoulder  should  follow  the  thrust  as  far  as  possi- 
ble, without  endangering  your  seat  in  the  saddle,  for  the 
purpose  of  holding  your  adversary  at  a  greater  distance, 
and  making  yourself  the  more  secure. 

If,  after  every  thrust,  you  do  not  keep  the  hand  as 
high  as  the  head,  your  antagonist  will  get  his  sabre  within 
your  guard,  after  the  parry,  which  he  cannot  do  if  this 
rule  is  observed. 

The  second  point  is  frequently  used  in  dismounted  ser- 
vice with  the  utmost  safety  and  effect,  for  your  adversary 
gives  force  to  the  thrust  by  his  parry.  The  hand,  in 
giving  this  point,  should  not  be  drawn  back  to  the  hip, 
except  in  practising  the  first  lessons,  as  it  gives  your  op- 
ponent ample  time  to  prepare  for  the  parry. 

SECTION  IV. — Parries. 

There  should  be  three  modes  of  parrying  when  mount- 
ed. 

The  left  parry  is  made  from  the  first  guard,  parrying 
from  the  left  rear  to  the  left  front,  and  with  the  back  of 
the  sabre,  immediately  returning  to  the  first  guard  on 
your  left  side,  ready  to  repeat  the  parry,  if  necessary,  or 
make  any  cut,  guard,  or  point. 


THIi    HOUSEMAN.  115 

In  making  the  parry,  the  hand  should  be  kept  at  least 
as  high  as  the  shoulder — arm  extended. 

Were  your  adversary  to  attack  on  your  left,  or  left 
rear,  he  may  pass  you  after  delivering  point ;  and  if  so, 
he  can  cut  two,  four,  or  six,  and  from  your  left  front 
guard  you  can  receive  him.  After  passing  beyond  the 
reach  of  your  sabre,  he  can  cut  at  your  horse's  head  with 
safety,  which  must  be  guarded  against  by  forming  the 
left  front  hanging  guard,  well  extended. 

The  right  parry  is  also  made  (from  the  first  guard  on 
your  right)  from  front  to  rear ;  or,  vice  versa,  arm  ex- 
tended, hand  as  high  as  the  shoulder,  and  with  the  back 
of  the  blade. 

The  parries  may  be  made  from  front  to  rear,  or  rear  to 
front  on  either  side,  when  acting  against  Infantry  ;  but 
they  should  always  be  executed  against  cavalry  so  as  to 
beat  the  point  of  the  adversary's  sabre  down. 

The  action,  in  parrying  against  cavalry,  should  pro- 
ceed alone  from  the  wrist  and  shoulder. 


116  THE    HORSEMAN. 

CHAPTER  VU. 

SECTION  I. — Method  of  Instruction. 

As  it  will  be  indispensably  necessary  for  the  troopers 
to  be  instructed  on  foot  previous  to  exercising  in  the  sad- 
dle, any  number,  from  one  to  fifty,  can  be  taught  the  di- 
visions at  one  time. 

The  company  being  formed  in  single  rank  and  told  off 
by  fours,  the  Instructor  will  command : 

Draw  Sabre. — At  the  word  draw,  pass  the  hand  over 
briskly  to  the  left  side/  run  it  through  the  sabre-knot, 
turn  it  several  times  in  order  to  secure  it  to  the  wrist,  and 
draw  the  sabre  about  ten  inches  from  the  scabbard  (hold- 
ing the  scabbard  with  the  left  hand  at  the  upper  ring.) 
At  the  word  sabre,  raise  the  arm  to  its  full  extent 
(throwing  the  point  to  the  front  as  if  cutting  four)  and 
bring  it  smartly  to  the  right  side,  the  back  of  the  blade 
resting  against  the  shoulder,  hand  at  the  hip,  and  the 
little  finger  outside  of  the  guard  or  gripe.  This  is  the 
position  of  carry  sabre. 

The  sabre  should  not  be  used  without  having  a  knot 
attached  to  it.  It  enables  a  person  to  recover  his  weapon 
if  forced  from  his  grasp,  and,  on  drills,  prevents  accidents 
which  are  apt  to  occur  by  the  sabre  escaping  from  the 
hand. 

To  the  Front  take  Distance  for  Exercise,  March. — At 


THE    HORSEMAN.  117 

the  word  Ynarch,  every  number  one  steps  nine  paces  to 
the  front ;  number  two,  six  paces ;  number  three,  three 
paces ;  and  number  four  remains  steady ;  each  rank 
dressing  by  its  own  right  without  command. 

SECTION  II. — Proving  Distance  by  Files. 

To  the  Right;  Prove  Distance. — At  this  command, 
the  head  is  turned  and  the  arm  extended  to  the  right, 
point  of  the  sabre  resting  on  the  shoulder,  edge  up. 

Two.— At  this  word,  the  point  of  the  sabre  is  extend- 
ed to  the  right,  back  of  the  hand  up  and  edge  to  the 
rear ;  the  point  of  the  sabre,  the  hand  and  shoulder  hori- 
zontal. 

Should  the  files  be  too  close,  they  must  take  side  steps 
to  the  left ;  the  files  on  the  right  of  each  rank  standing 
fast.  When  the  files  have  become  steady  they  should  be 
commanded  to  carry  sabre. 

To  the  Front ;  Prove  Distance. — At  this  command, 
the  hand  is  extended  to  the  front,  the  point  of  the  blade 
on  the  shoulder,  edge  up. 

Two. — At  this  word,  the  point  of  the  sabre  is  extend- 
ed to  the  front,  back  of  the  hand  up  and  edge  of  the 
blade  to  the  right;  the  point  of  the  sabre,  hand  and 
shoulder  horizontal.  After  proving  distance  to  the  front, 
they  should  be  brought  to  carry  sabre. 

The  files  being  in  position  for  exercising  in  the  divi- 
sions, the  Instructor  commands : 

First   Division  against   Cavalry,  Engage, — At   the 


118  THE    HORSEMAN. 

word  engage.,  the  right  foot  is  removed  about  eighteen 
inches  to  the  right,  toes  turned  a  little  inward,  the  left 
hand  brought  in  front  of  the  belt  plate  (as  if  holding  the 
bridle  reins),  the  right  hand  to  the  hip,  with  the  back 
up,  the  thumb  extended  along  the  gripe,  edge  of  the 
blade  to  the  front,  and  point  to  the  left  front,  at  the 
height  of  the  shoulder. 

Guard. — At  this  command,  the  arm  is  extended  to  the 
front,  hand  a  little  higher  than  the  head,  edge  of  the 
blade  up  and  inclined  to  the  front,  point  to  the  left  front 
and  about  six  inches  higher  than  the  hilt. 

Prepare  to  Cut  One,— At  this  order,  the  point  of  the 
sabre  is  thrown  back  over  the  shoulder,  edge  up,  and  the 
arm  extended. 

Cut  One. — At  the  word  one,  the  cut  is  made  from  the 
right  to  the  left  diagonally  downward  until  the  point  of 
the  sabre  arrives  in  a  line  with  the  left  elbow,  then  it  is 
brought  quickly  over  the  left  shoulder,  edge  up,  and  hand 
before  the  face. 

Cut  Two. — At  the  word  two,  the  cut  is  made  from  the 
left  to  the  right  diagonally  downward  until  the  point  ar- 
rives in  a  line  with  the  right  elbow,  carrying  the  point  to 
the  rear  over  the  right  shoulder,  edge  up. 

Cut  Three. — At  the  \vord  three,  the  cut  is  made  up- 
ward from  the  right  until  the  point  comes  in  a  line  with 
the  face,  bringing  the  point  briskly  over  the  left  shoulder, 
edge  up. 

Cut  Four. — At  the  word  four,  the  cut  is  made  up- 
ward from  left  to  right  until  the  sabre  gets  in  a  line  with 


THE    HORSEMAN.  119 

the  face,  bringing  the  blade  quickly  over  the  right 
shoulder,  point  to  the  rear  and  edge  to  the  right. 

Cut  Five. — At  the  word  five,  the  cut  is  made  from 
right  to  left  horizontally,  sabre  brought  over  the  left 
shoulder,  and  edge  to  the  left, 

Cut  Six. — At  the  word  six,  the  cut  is  made  horizon- 
tally from  left  to  right,  sabre  brought  over  the  right 
shoulder,  and  edge  up. 

Cut  Seven. — At  the  word  seven,  the  cut  is  executed 
perpendicularly  downward  until  the  point  arrives  in  a 
line  with  the  right  shoulder. 

First  Point. — At  the  word  point,  the  hand  is  drawn 
back  near  the  face,  edge  of  the  sabre  up,  and  the  hilt 
firmly  grasped. 

Two. — At  the  word  two,  the  thrust  is  Delivered  to  the 
front  at  the  full  extent  of  the  arm,  and  edge  up. 

Right  Rear  Cut  and  Point. — At  the  word  point,  the 
cut  six  is  made  to  the  right  rear  (playing  the  sabre 
around  the  head),  and  the  first  point  immediately  deliver- 
ed. 

Rigfit  Parry.-— At  the  word  parry,  the  parry  is  made 
from  front  to  rear,  bringing  the  sabre  over  the  right 
shoulder  preparatory  to  cutting  five  left,  palm  of  the  hand 
up  and  as  high  as. the  shoulder,  edge  to  the  right  and 
point  to  the  rear. 

Cut  Five  and  Six. — At  the  word  six,  the  eyes  are 
turned  to  the  left;  the  cut  five  is  then  made  to  the  left, 
the  blade  brought  behind  the  back,  point  to  the  right 
rear,  and  edge  to  the  rear ;  the  head  is  then  turned  to  the 


120  THE    HORSEMAN. 

right,  and  cut  six  is  made  on  that  side,  playing  the  poii 
of  the  sabre  around  the  head,  and  returning  to  the  engage. 
Carry  Sabre. — At  this  command,  the  sabre  is  brought 
to  the  shoulder  as  prescribed  for  the  carry,  the  right  foot 
carried  to  the  left,  and  the  left  hand  dropped  to  the  side. 

SECTION  III. — Second  Division  against  Cavalry,  Engage. 

Left  Front  Guard. — The  arm  is  extended  to  the  left 
front,  hand  a  little  higher  than  the  head,  point  of  the  sa- 
bre down,  and  edge  to  the  left  front. 

Right  Front  Guard. — The  point  of  the  sabre  is  raised 
(as  if  over  the  horse's  neck),  arm  extended  to  the  right 
front,  hand  higher  than  the  head,  and  edge  iPthe  direc- 
tion of  the  guajjd. 

Right  Guard. — The  same  as  the  right  front  guard,  ex- 
,  cept  that  the  arm  is  shifted  to  the  right. 

Right  Rear  Guard. — The  same  as  right  guard,  but 
carried  to  the  right  rear. 

Rear  Guard. — The  edge  and  point  of  the  sabre  to  the 
rear,  the  position  of  the  arm  as  in  the  other  hanging 
guards. 

Left  Rear  Guard. — This  guard,  when  formed  from  the 
rear  guard,  is  made  by  turning  the  palm  of  the  hand  up, 
keeping  the  point  of  the  sabre  down,  and  raising  the  arm 
extended  over  the  head  until  the  left  rear  hanging  guard 
is  formed,  edge  to  the  left  rear. 

Left  Guard. — This  guard  is  formed  by  bringing  the 
sabre  opposite  the  left  shoulder,  edge  out. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  121 

Left  Parry. — Form  the  first  guard  and  parry,  from 
rear  to  front,  with  the  back  of  the  blade,  immediately 
preparing  for  the  first  point  to  the  left  front. 

Left  Front  Point. — The  first  point  is  delivered  to  the 
left  front  as  before  explained. 

Cut  Six  Right. — The  cut  six  is  made  to  the  right,  and 
the  sabre  brought  quickly  over  the  head  to  the  engage. 

SECTION  IV. — Third  Division  against  Infantry,,  Engage. 

Left  Front  Point. — The  sabre  is  brought  in  position 
for  first  point,  the  body  a  little  inclined  over  to  the  left, 
from  the  haunches,  without  bending  the  left  knee,  and 
the  point  delivered  downwards  to  the  left  front. 

Prepare  to  Cut  Two. — The  body  is  inclined  over  to 
the  right,  sabre  brought  over  the  left  shoulder,  edge  up, 
and  face  turned  to  the  right  front. 

Cut  Two. — The  cut  two  is  made  downwards  on  the 
right  side,  throwing  the  point  of  the  sabre  to  the  right 
rear,  bringing  the  point  to  the  front,  edge  up,  and  the 
hand  as  high  as  the  head,  pointing  to  the  right  rear. 

Cut  Three. — The  cut  three  is  made  from  the  rear  to 
the  right  front,  bringing  the  sabre  briskly  over  the  right 
shoulder,  preparing  to  cut  one  on  the  left. 

Cut  One. — The  cut  one  is  made  down  on  the  left  side, 
throwing  the  point  of  the  blade  to  the  left  rear,  then 
bringing  the  point  to  the  front,  edge  up,  and  hand  as 
high  as  the  shoulder. 

Cut  Four. — The  cut  four  is  made  from  the  rear 
12 


122  THE    HORSEMAN. 

left  front,  bringing  the  sabre  over  the  left  shoulder,  point 
to  the  rear,  and  the  hand  extended  to  the  front  ready  to 
cut  two  on  the  right  side. 

Cut  Two. — As  before,  playing  the  sabre  around,  ready 
for  first  point. 

Give  Point. — The  point  is  made  downwards  to  the 
right  front,  quickly  forming  thefrst  guard  on  the  right, 
ready  for  the  right  parry. 

Parry. — The  parry  is  made  from  the  right  rear  to  the 
right  front  with  the  back  of  the  blade,  bringing  the  sabre 
by  the  front  to  the  left  side  to  first  guardy  ready  for  left 
parry. 

Parry.* — The  parry  is  made  from  the  left  rear  to  the 
left  front,  with  the  back  of  the  blade,  and  coming  to  the 
engage.  The  instructor  will  command  carry  sabre. 

REST. 

At  this  '  command  the  sabre  is  removed  from  the 
shoulder  and  laid  in  the  left  elbow,  edge  up,  the  left  hand 
placed  across  the  right  in  front  of  the  belt-plate,  and  the 
right  foot  drawn  back  about  six  inches.  This  is  the  po- 
sition to  rest  when  in  extended  order.  When  the  files  are 
close,  the  left  foot  is  removed  to  the  rear,  back  of  the 
left  hand  upon  the  hip,  and  point  of  the  sabre  resting 
upon  the  toe  of  the  boot,  edge  to  the  right,  and  hand 
resting  upon  the  knob  of  the  hilt. 

ATTENTION. 

At  this  command  the  sabre  is  thrown  to  the  front  (as 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


if  cutting  four)  and  brought  to  a  carry.     The  men,  in 
every  other  respect,  take  the  position  of  the  soldier. 

If  the  files  are  close,  the  point  of  the  sabre  is  merely 
raised  to  the  carry,  and  the  position  of  the  soldier  re- 
sumed. 

SECTION  V. — Returning  Sabre. 

Return  Sabre. — At  the  word  return,  the  sabre  is  pass- 
ed across  the  breast  (from  a  carry)  so  that  the  hilt  will 
touch  the  left  shoulder,  edge  to  the  front,  and  point  up, 
immediately  letting  the  point  fall  to  the  rear,  then  raising 
the  hand  as  high  as  the  head,  passing  the  side  of  the 
blade  close  to  the  arm,  and  returning  it  within  ten  inches 
of  the  hilt. 

Sabre. — At  the  word  sabre,  push  it  to  the  hilt,  free 
the  right  hand  from  the  sabre-knot,  and  drop  it  to  the 

side. 

* 

SECTION  VI. — Manual  Exercise. 

The  company  being  paraded  in  single  rank,  the  in- 
structor will  command : 

Draw  sabre.  (As  before  directed.) 

Tell  off  by  fours  from  the  right.  « 

To  the  front,  take  distance  for  exercise.  " 

To  the  right,  prove  distance.  " 

To  the  front,  prove  distance.  "  " 

Carry  sabre  "  " 


124  THE    HORSEMAN. 

When  the  company  is  thus  prepared,  it  will  be  exer- 
cised in  the  following  manner : 

SECTION  VII. — Divisions. 

WORDS    OF    COMMAND. 

First  Division  against  Cavalry,  Engage. — Guard,  pre- 
pare to  cut  one.  Cut  one,  two,  three,  four,  five,  six,  seven. 
Front  give  point,  two.  Right  rear,  cut  and  point. 
Right  parry.  Cut  five  left,  and  six  right.  Carry  sabre. 

Second  Division  against  Cavalry,  Engage.  —  Left 
front  guard.  Right  front  guard.  Right  guard.  Right 
rear  guard.  Rear  guard.  Left  rear  guard.  Left  guard, 
prepare  for  left  parry.  Parry.  Left  front  give  point, 
cut  six  right.  Carry  sabre. 

Third  Division  against  Infantry,  Engage. — Left  front 
give  point.  Prepare  to  cut  two.  Cut  two,  three, 
Change.  Cut  one,  four,  two,  and  point  to  the  right. 
Right  parry.  Left  parry.  Carry  sabre.  Rest. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  125 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

SECTION  I. — Attack  and  Defence,  Dismounted. 

AFTER  the  men  are  well  instructed  in  the  cavalry  di- 
visions, they  will  prepare  for  attack  and  defence,  as  fol- 
lows : 

Prepare  for  Attack  and  Defence. — At  the  word  de- 
fence, every  file  will  half  face  to  the  left,  placing  the 
heel  of  the  right  foot  against  the  hollow  of  the  left,  the 
sabre  at  a  carry. 

Guard. — At  the  word  guard,  throw  the  weight  of  the 
body  on  the  left  leg,  slightly  bending  the  knee,  advance 
the  right  foot  about  six  inches,  place  the  back  of  the  left 
hand  on  the  hip,  incline  the  upper  part  of  the  body  well 
forward,  and  form  the  first  guard  as  before  explained. 

ATTACK. 

Cut  One, — At  this  command,  advance  the  right  foot 
so  far  as  to  straighten  the  left  leg  without  removing  the 
foot  from  the  ground,  and  cut  one  at  antagonist's  left 
cheek,  keeping  the  point  of  the  blade  on  a  horizontal 
line  with  the  hand  and  shoulder. 

DEFENCE. 

Second  Guard. — At  the  word  guard,  draw  back  the 
right  foot  to  within  six  inches  of  the  left,  and  form  the 
12* 


126  THE    HORSEMAN. 

second  guard,  hand  a  little  higher  than  the  head,  arm  to 
the  full  extent  and  to  the  left  front,  and  point  of  the 
blade  dropped,  eyeing  your  adversary  under  the  sword 
arm. 

The  reader  will  bear  in  mind  that  the  hanging  guards 
(numbers  two  and  three)  are  formed  to  the  right  and  left, 
and  the  point  of  the  sabre  raised  or  lowered  according  to 
the  manner  and  force  of  the  cut.  If  the  cuts  are  made 
diagonally  downwards,  or  horizontally,  the  point  of  the 
blade  should  be  raised ;  but,  if  diagonally  upwards,  the 
point  must  be  dropped. 

ATTACK. 

Cut  Two. — At  the  word  two,  step  out,  as  in  cut  one, 
and  cut  two  at  your  adversary's  right  cheek,  point  of  the 
blade,  hand  and  shoulder  horizontal.* 

DEFENCE. 

Third  Guard. — At  this  command,  draw  back  the  right 
foot  (as  explained  in  second  guard)  and  form  the  third 
guard  to  the  right  front,  hand  higher  than  the  head,  arm 
extended,  and  point  of  the  blade  out. 

As  this  guard  (protecting  against  cut  two)  constrains 
the  body  somewhat,  the  first  guard,  carried  a  little  to  the 
right,  is  preferable ;  and  from  this  position,  cuts  four  and 

*  When  the  file  is  in  the  attitude  of  cutting  or  thrusting 
(the  right  foot  advanced),  the  leg,  from  the  knee  down,  should  be 
straight. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  127 

six  can  be  guarded  against  by  dropping  the  point,  and 
without  varying  the  hand  to  the  right  or  left. 

We  deem  it  proper  to  observe  here,  that  in  the  stand- 
ing guards  (point  of  the  blade  up)  the  force  of  the  cut 
must  be  sustained  by  the  wrist  alone ;  but,  in  the  hang- 
ing guards,  the  shoulder  receives  the  shock. 


ATTACK. 


Cut  Three. — At  this  command,  cut  three  at  antago- 
nist's left  side,  right  or  left  arm,  forming  first  guard  im- 
mediately. 

DEFENCE. 

Second  Guard. — At  this  command,  form  the  second 
guard  (as  before  explained)  point  of  the  blade  in* 

ATTACK. 

Cut  Four.-*— At  this  command,  cut  four  at  adversary's 
sword  arm. 

In  making  the  cuts  three  and  four  the  hand  should 
never  be  below  the  shoulder. 

DEFENCE.  . 

Third  Guard. — At  this  order,  form  the  third  guard  by 
dropping  the  point,  arm  extended. 

In  all  guards,  care  must  be  observed  to  receive  the 
cuts  on  the  forty  not  the  feeble  of  the  blade. 

The  fort  is  that  portion  of  the  sabre  from  the  hilt  to- 
wards the  point  which  enables  you  to  resist  all  cuts,  and 
parry  all  points  without  much  exertion.  The  feeble  is 


128  THE    HORSEMAN. 

the  part  of  the  blade  near  the  point,  by  which  you  are 
unable  to  ward  off  a  thrust,  guard  a  cut,  or  force  your 
adversary's  blade. 

ATTACK. 

Cut  Five. — At  this  command,  cut  five  at  antagonist's 
neck. 

DEFENCE. 

Second  Guard. — Form  the  second  guard  (as  before 
explained)  to  protect  against  cut  one. 

ATTACK. 

Cut  Six. — At  this  command,  cut  six  at  adversary's 
neck. 

DEFENCE. 

Third  Guard. — Form  first  or  third  guard,  as  explain- 
ed, to  protect  against  cut  two. 

ATTACK. 

Cut  Seven. — At  this  command,  cut  seven  on  the  adver- 
sary's head. 

DEFENCE. 

First  Guard. — Form  first  guard. 

ATTACK. 

First  Point. — At  this  command,  bring  the  sabre  in  po- 
sition for  first  point. 

Two. — At  this  word,  the  thrust  should  be  delivered 
with  force,  and  the  hand  raised  as  high  as  the  head  as 
soon  as  the  point  is  given. 


THE  HORSEMAN.  129 

DEFENCE. 

Parry. — At  this  order,  the  first  guard  is  formed. 

Two. — At  the  word  two,  the  parry  will  be  made 
downwards  to  the  right  with  the  back  of  the  blade,  re- 
turning to  the  first  guard. 

The  parry  may  be  made  to  the  front  and  at  the  same 
time  returning  the  thrust. 

ATTACK. 

Second  Point. — At  this  command,  the  sabre  is  brought 
back,  right  hand  on  the  hip  (as  explained  in  mounted 
service). 

Two. — At  this  word,  deliver  the  point  at  antagonist's 
breast,  raising  the  hand  as  high  as  the  shoulder. 

This  point  will  be  more  effective  by  sinking  upon  the 
left  knee  and  delivering  it  upwards  against  your  adver- 
sary's breast ;  for,  in  the  ordinary  or  natural  parry  down- 
wards to  the  right  side,  your  adversary's  blade  will  slide 
harmlessly  to  your  hilt.  If  your  antagonist  parries  with 
force,  incline  the  hand  a  little  to  the  left  without  altering 
the  direction  of  the  point. 

• 

DEFENCE. 

Parry. — At  this  command,  form  \hefirst  guard. 

Two. — At  the  word  two,  parry  the  thrust  by  keeping 
the  hand  before  the  face,  and  describing  a  circle  from 
right  to  left,  or  left  to  right,  according  to  the  manner  the 
point  is  delivered. 

Carry  Sabre. 


130  THE    HORSEMAN. 

Front  Face. 

Rest,  or  Return  Sabre. 

SECTION  II. 

When  the  men  are  sufficiently  practised  in  the  attack 
and  defence,  the  company  will  again  be  formed  in  single 
rank  (by  the  command,  form  rank,  march),  and  told  oft" 
by  twos.  The  number  ones  will  advance  six  paces  and 
halt.  The  files  will  prove  distance  to  the  right  (as  be- 
fore explained),  and  the  front  rank  or  number  ones  will 
about  face.  The  instructor  should  then  attack  them  sin- 
gly in  order  to  ascertain  if  they  take  position,  and  make 
the  guards  and  parries  properly. 

Whether  the  cuts  are  made  separately  or  collectively, 
the  invariable  rule  of  keeping  the  hand  directed  to  the 
antagonist's  left  ear  must  be  observed,  and  care  taken  to 
avoid  carrying  the  sword  hand  to  the  right  of  the  head 
previous  to  making  cuts  one,  three,  and  five,  which  ex- 
poses the  body  to  a  return  of  the  same  cuts.  Upon  the 
same  principle,  the  hand  should  not  be  carried  to  the  left 
when"  preparing  to  cut  two,  four,  or  six. 

The  right  foot  should  be  advanced  in  all  cuts  and 
points  (as  explained  in  cut  one),  and  in  the  guards  and 
parries ;  re-take  position  as  in  second  guard,  keeping  sight 
of  the  adversary's  eye. 

It  should  be  observed  that  the  safety  and  advantage  in 
giving  point  is  in  advancing  the  shoulder  with  the  arm, 


\ 

THE    HORSEMAN.  131 


and  inclining  the  body  well  forward,  showing  only  your 
right  side  to  the  antagonist. 

The  point  should  never  be  made  except  when  it  can 
be  applied  without  risk ;  for,  if  it  is  parried  with  force,  it 
is  difficult  to  recover  the  guard  in  time. 

The  guards  protecting  against  cuts  three  and  four  may 
be  lowered  somewhat,  but  not  so  much  as  to  guard  cuts 
made  below  the  knee  :  if  your  adversary  should  cut  three 
or  four  at  the  leg,  draw  it  back  and  cut  his  sword  arm 
or  head  before  he  recovers  his  position. 

Feints. — The  feint  is  a  mock  assault  of  a  cut  or  thrust, 
and  is  done  by  a  cut  or  thrust  feigned  at  one  place  and 
made  at  another. 

The  feint  is  practised  only  when  in  position  for  guard- 
ing or  parrying,  and  the  cut  or  thrust  instantly  follows, 
advancing  the  right  foot  as  explained. 

SECTION  III. — Words  of  Command  in  the  Attack  and 
Defence. 

Prepare  for  Attack  and  Defence. — Guard.  Cut  one, 
second  guard.  Cut  two,  first  or  third  guard.  Cut  three, 
second  guard.  Cut  four,  third  guard.  Cut  five,  second 
guard.  Cut  six,  third  or  first  guard.  Cut  seven,  first 
guard.  First  point,  two,  parry.  Second  point,  two, 
parry.  Carry  sabre.  Front  face. 

Two  persons  jshould  take  position  (as  in  prepare  for 
attack  and  defence),  facing  each  other,  and  measure  the 
distance  by  extending  the  arms  and  blades  horizontally, 


132  THE    HORSEMAN. 

so  that  the  points  of  the  sabres  touch  each  other's  hilts , 
then  put  themselves  in  attitude  for  guarding,  cutting  and 
pointing,  guarding  and  parrying,  alternately,  in  the 
above  order. 

After  the  parties  are  expert  in  the  attack  and  defence 
without  removing  their  left  feet  from  the  ground,  the 
one  on  the  defensive  may  retire  a  step  or  two  at  each  cut 
or  thrust,  guarding  or  parrying  at  the  same  time ;  the  at- 
tacking party  continuing  the  advance,  and  preserving  the 
proper  distance. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  133 


CHAPTER  IX. 

LESSON  I. — Fencing  in  the  Saddle. 
(See  Plate  XXVIII.) 

IN  this  practice,  two  persons  should  be  mounted,  and 
about  three  feet  apart,  sword  arm  to  sword  arm.  The 
horses  being  side  to  side  (-with  their  heads  in  opposite  di- 
rections) the  riders  should  cross  sabres  by  forming  the 
first  guard  to  the  right. 

In  this  position  they  will  endeavor  to  preserve  cutting 
distance  and  describe  a  circle  slowly,  without  disengaging 
sabres. 

Wl^en  they  become  proficient  in  this,  the  pace  may  be 
increased. 

LESSON  II. 
(See  Plate  XXIX.) 

The  riders  take  position  as  in  the  first  lesson,  the  one 
turning  his  horse  upon  his  own  centre,  while  the  other 
describes  a  circle  around  him;  first  at  a  walk,  then 
gradually  increasing  the  pace. 

Great  care  should  be  observed  not  to  enlarge  nor  di- 
minish the  circle  lest  the  sabres  become  disengaged, 
thereby  rendering  it  necessary  to  re-commence  the 

13 


ML, 


134  THE    HORSEMAN. 

movement ;  the  great  object  being  always  to  be  \vithin 
cutting  distance. 

After  being  sufficiently  expert  in  describing  the  circle 
and  keeping  the  proper  distance,  the  one  should  en- 
deavor to  gain  the  other's  left  rear  or  "  weak  quarter" 
by  quickening  the  pace.  The  one  acting  on  the  defen- 
sive must  keep  sword  arm  to  sword  arm  with  his  adver- 
sary by  turning  his  horse  upon  his  own  centre. 

The  reader  will,  in  this  case,  perceive  the  advantage 
of  acting  on  the  defensive. 

LESSON  III. 
(See  Plate  XXX.) 

The  riders  take  position  side  to  side,  horses'  heads  in 
the  same  direction,  both  forming  the  first  guard  (one  on 
the  left  side,  the  other  on  the  right,  sabres  crossed),  and 
move  at  the  walk,  then  the  trot,  and  lastly  the  gallop. 

The  rider  with  the  first  guard  formed,  or  first  cut  made 
on  his  right,  is  the  attacking  party,  and  should  occasion- 
ally urge  or  check  his  horse  for  the  purpose  of  gaining 
the  advantage  of  his  adversary.  The  one  on  the  defen- 
sive should  keep  pace  with  his  antagonist. 

•  In  the  pursuit,  the  skilful  horseman  always  attacks  at 
the  left  rear,  for  he  has  the  advantage  of  the  width  of  his 
opponent's  chest,  and  may  cut  or  thrust  with  impunity. 

In  order  to  avoid  the  attack  at  this  point,  the  defensive 
party  should  turn  his  horse  immediately  to  the  "  right 
about" and  receive  his  pursuer  sword  arm  to  sword  arm; 


THE    HORSEMAN. 


135 


Plate  XXVIII. — Two  Persons  engaged  in  the  First 
Lesson  of  Fencing  in  the  Saddle. 


THli    HORSEMAN. 


137 


Plate  XXIX. — Two    Persons  engaged  in  the  Second 
Lesson  of  Fencing  in  the  Saddle. 


13* 


THE  HORSEMAN. 


139 


Plate  XXX. — Two  Persons  engaged  in  the  Third  Les- 
son of  Fencing  in  the  Saddle. 


THE    HORSEMAN.  141 

or,  when  the  attacking  party  has  gained  the  left  rear, 
suddenly  check  the  horse  that  he  may  pass,  and  then  pur- 
sue him. 

If  there  is  any  circumstance  which  would  prevent  him 
doing  either,  he  should,  after  receiving  his  antagonist  on 
the  left  side,  turn  his  horse  to  the  "  left  about"  on  his  fore 
legs,  giving  the  left  spur  vigorously  (to  make  him  pass 
his  croup  around)  and  at  the  same  time  protect  his  head 
by  extending  the  guard. 

In  these  lessons  the  parties  should  attack  and  defend 
alternately. 


FINIS. 


8    1  1 


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